Legacy induced through lack of quality is the real point of caution for Plan 9 From Outer Space. Interest in a piece coming from that of the legend surrounding it rather than the film itself. Dangerous for those hoping to enjoy a feature film with a real argument for worst of all, by a fair margin too. Ed Wood did not intend to do that, but he did it so frequently that it is amazing nobody told him to call it quits. That is the steady and studious mentality of a man fully believing in his own gift. Ed Wood displayed that, but the heartwarming feature mired by the misery of Wood’s real life is nowhere to be found on Plan 9 From Outer Space, or any of his films for that matter.
No, the legacy of Wood is one of the cautionary accidents. A tale that proves not everyone is destined for success behind the camera. But in the ever-shifting discourse, there lingers the need to express love for someone who has crafted the opposite of great art. An overexposure to quality leaves the mind wanting a reset. Plan 9 From Outer Space has long been associated with that of The Room or the effective works of Neil Breen but does not deserve to be. As hilariously poor as it is, the legacy is based on the ramblings of a sick man. Where Breen and Tommy Wiseau are shrouded in mystery, there is no denying that Wood attempted to make an effective film here. It comes through in the shots that are not beyond the pale of poor quality.
They are not as effective as one would first believe. Plan 9 From Outer Space is of a usual B-Movie quality that falls a tad short of the usual expectations because of its bare-bones budget. If anything, it is impressive to see what is pieced together here. From Bela Lugosi’s appearance to the almost silent film expressionism found in these opening moments. Wood was no fool. He knew what his shot composition hoped to show and he knew how to effectively conjure the correct emotions for each scene. What holds him back is not just his reputation and legacy but the shoddiness of the craft, which by this point in time there was little excuse for. Set designs obviously made in some nondescript factory are obvious to spot, but oddly charming as a good offset to the sleek 1950s aesthetic of the time.
Freakishly solid in some spots, Plan 9 From Outer Space has what it takes to be a piece that is so bad it’s good, but it isn’t all that bad. Or good, either. Let’s not get ahead of what Wood has managed here. He has provided fine displays of camerawork, inoffensive material that has been infused with hyperbole and spite. It makes for an interesting watch more than anything, despite the obvious allusions to the lack of quality found throughout. It is never quite dreadful, though. That is a stigma associated with the name Ed Wood, rather than the film he crafts here. This is no better or worse than a middling episode of The Twilight Zone. Its plot is better conceived, anyway.
