Theatre is dead. Or at least, it is for the time being. Cinema prevails, then, in showcasing the theatrics that once appeared before us. I’ve never been to see a stage production before, but I did once go to the theatre to see a concert, so I suppose that’s close enough. Perhaps the lapsed villain at the centre of this, Theatre of Blood, would disagree with me. I hope not, for disagreements with the deranged rogue at the heart of this piece seem to be fatal for those on the opposing end. Another marvellous horror piece for Vincent Price, but we shouldn’t expect any less from such a staple of the genre.
Price leads this one with great, veteran competence. A jaded stage actor who sets out to kill the critics that savaged his most recent production. It’s a story with an odd anti-hero at its heart, a clear act of moral destruction, but those he looks to murder are pompous, out of touch, and self-interested. It makes for a group of characters that, whilst offering good performances and engaging characters. Price teams up with a man who looks like Jeff Glynne, but rather than knocking out memorable tracks, they work together in slaying a group of film critics that have hounded him out of his life’s work as a theatre artist. There are a few bits and pieces I would change, but for fear of beheaded by Price dressed as a surgeon, I’ll leave my brief complaints at the door.
Director Douglas Hickox portrays his rather simplistic story with ambitious creativity. Simple changes to the regular style, pacing, and direction of these slasher productions makes for an entertaining and unique viewing. Gore that feels spot-on, and also crafts narrative purpose with its links to Shakespearian theatrics and connection with the prose of such stage productions. As much a love letter to Shakespeare as it is a completely unique way of imagining the context of his writing style and intended adaptation. Theatre of Blood is an evidently smart film, infuriatingly great at times, with Price holding his own against a variably talented cast of characters.
Maybe I should be rather fearful of those I snub in my work, for one day they may take me into a wine cellar where they await, dressed as Richard III. I should hope not, I fear such a reference to Shakespeare would be lost on me, and anyway, I’ve no need to let heads roll here, Theatre of Blood is a charmingly great horror film. Simplistic in premise, marvellous in execution, it just goes to show that sometimes all you need is a series of murders, some strong performances of Shakespearian extracts, and Vincent Price dressed in a variety of costumes. Another film that questions whether or not critics truly understand the noble profession they criticise, and whether their actions will have fatal consequences for themselves and those around them.
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