Ed Wood, Mad Genius: A Critical Study of the Films

by Rob Craig

Filmmaker Ed Wood was controversial and critically maligned, even labeled "the worst director of all time," yet he achieved cult status and remains of great interest today. This book frames Wood's work, such as the cross-dressing themed Glen or Glenda? and the haphazard Bride of the Monster , as reflections of the culture of their era. Wood invariably worked with infinitesimal budgets, shooting at breakneck speed, incorporating plot twists that defied all logic. Yet there was a tangible if unfocused thematic thrust to Wood's films, which meditate fitfully on gender, religion and society, revealing a "holy trinity" of fixations--sex, death and resurrection. Wood's infamous Plan 9 From Outer Space encapsulates the fixations and flaws that were his hallmarks, and with 22 other films, is explored here. A filmography and 47 photographs are included.

Genres: Nonfiction

314 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Rob Craig has been writing about cult film for more than twenty years. His work has been published in such magazines as Videoscope, Screem and Horror-Wood. He lives in New Haven, Connecticut. 

Reviews

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the author occasionally straddles the line between honest criticism and academic parody, the book does provide insight into Ed Wood's psyche and his films' place within the context of postwar American cinema. Sure, Wood's films are aesthetic and technical fiascoes, but they also reflect and sometimes subversively critique the dominant culture of the time. I would recommend this to anyone who's interested in B-films and the history of cinema in the 1950s and 60s, or to beleaguered academicians who need a laugh.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you're into horror you'll come across Ed Wood. In this very readably and entertaining biography you'll find selected short subjects, Glen or Glenda, Jail Bait, Bride of the Monster (lovely Loretta King), sex and the subversive screenplay, The Violent Years, The Bride and the Beast, Plan 9 From Outer Space, Night of the Ghouls, The Sinister Urge, Orgy of the Dead (Fawn Silverton), Necromania, all the sexploitation superstars like Revenge of the Virgins, Drop-Out Wife. At the end you'll see Ed rise from the dead and have a look at his filmography. There could have been more movie stills and photo material inside. Nevertheless really interesting and highly recommended!