Setenza
Prominent Member
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2002
- Messages
- 3,349
- Reaction score
- 194
- Points
- 803
I've recently been catching up with all things Nigel Kneale, and amoung these was the 1978 Euston Films "Quatermass", with Sir John Mills in the title roll. The R2 boxset has both the original 4 part series (50 minutes an episode) and the truncated feature film version.
Now I haven't seen this since it's original transmission date. Isn't it amazing how things stick in your mind. The stone circles, the planet people, the exploding crystallised child. Although suffering from a miscast but competent lead, this final entry in the Quatermass mythos still has a very creative and cerebral storyline. Considering the scope and insight of Kneales imagination, I am amazed and saddened that he has not done more.
The whole of Quatermass series are well worth revisiting. They still maintain a compelling narative and involve the viewer on an intellectual level. There commentary on the nature of science, ethics, the media, racism and evil are still relevant, even if some of the superficial trappings have dated.
But to my mind, Quatermass & the pit (both TV and feature film version) are the summit of Kneale's work. A truly masterful work. So for those bored with the Fx's laden mind rot that is churned out today, masquerading as Sci-Fi (and I'm sure the next Will Smith epic will fall into this category) try some retro mind food and be entertained.
Now I haven't seen this since it's original transmission date. Isn't it amazing how things stick in your mind. The stone circles, the planet people, the exploding crystallised child. Although suffering from a miscast but competent lead, this final entry in the Quatermass mythos still has a very creative and cerebral storyline. Considering the scope and insight of Kneales imagination, I am amazed and saddened that he has not done more.
The whole of Quatermass series are well worth revisiting. They still maintain a compelling narative and involve the viewer on an intellectual level. There commentary on the nature of science, ethics, the media, racism and evil are still relevant, even if some of the superficial trappings have dated.
But to my mind, Quatermass & the pit (both TV and feature film version) are the summit of Kneale's work. A truly masterful work. So for those bored with the Fx's laden mind rot that is churned out today, masquerading as Sci-Fi (and I'm sure the next Will Smith epic will fall into this category) try some retro mind food and be entertained.