Photo credit: movieweb.com
New Adaptation of Lovecraft’s Classic ‘Herbert West: Reanimator’ in Development
The cinematic landscape is set to revisit one of H.P. Lovecraft’s seminal works with an upcoming adaptation of Herbert West: Reanimator. This 1922 short story, which serves as a precursor to the cult classic Re-Animator from 1985, explores the dark and twisted narrative of Herbert West, a scientist who creates a serum capable of reanimating the dead. Lovecraft’s groundbreaking tale was among the first to introduce the concept of “zombies,” portraying them as reanimated corpses driven by instinct.
According to a report from Deadline, screenwriters Adam Simon and Tim Metcalfe, known for their contributions to The Haunting in Connecticut, will pen the screenplay for the new feature. They will work alongside executive producer Andrew Trapani, a collaborator on their previous project and a producer of the horror film Winchester. Currently, the identity of the film’s director remains undisclosed.
Production will be spearheaded by Woodlake Entertainment. Jeffrey Lewis, one of the studio heads, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “We are very excited for Woodlake and the amazing team assembled to reinvent this classic horror literature into a contemporary frightening feature film.” Keith Previte, also a producer for the studio, previously worked on the 2007 horror film Borderland.
As anticipation builds, a significant inquiry arises concerning the tone of this modern interpretation. Stuart Gordon’s Re-Animator notably deviated from Lovecraft’s original narrative, infusing it with a blend of dark humor and horror. This unique combination contributed to a cult following and critical acclaim, although today, it often goes unrecognized amongst larger horror franchises like Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street.
‘Re-Animator’ Remains a Cornerstone of ’80s Horror
The 1985 film version of Re-Animator deserves greater acknowledgment from contemporary audiences. It is characterized by sharp writing, impressive special effects, and a charismatic lead performance, which collectively highlight the film’s distinctiveness. One of its remarkable qualities is its ability to juxtapose horror with comedy without becoming absurd.
Notable critics, including Pauline Kael and Roger Ebert, who were not typically champions of the horror genre, praised the film. Ebert articulated a sense of engagement with the film’s unconventional narrative, stating, “By the end of the film, we are keenly aware that nothing of consequence has happened, but so what? We have been assaulted by a lurid imagination, amazed by unspeakable sights, blind-sided by the movie’s curiously dry sense of humor.” Today, the film boasts a remarkable 94% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Furthermore, Re-Animator was significant enough to inspire a series that extended until 2003, with the release of Beyond Re-Animator. The film saw Jeffrey Combs reprise his iconic role as Herbert West, a character who is perpetually committed to his unyielding quest to conquer death itself. As this new adaptation takes shape, fans are hopeful that it will honor the spirit of the 1985 classic. There are calls for Combs to make a cameo appearance or even reprise his role as West, enriching the continuity of this enduring horror franchise.
Source: Deadline
Source
movieweb.com