Television is nowadays considered to be superior to cinema in delivering quality content to audience. It is a result of process that began at the end of 20th Century and most credits for it should go to HBO, cable television network that filled the gap left when major Hollywood studios began to focus their attention exclusively on teenagers and family audience. HBO films weren’t just unburdened by censorship, but also allowed their creators more freedom to experiment and try different things. One of the more successful of such experiments was Cast a Deadly Spell, 1991 period fantasy thriller directed by Martin Campbell.
The plot is set in alternative version of 1948 Los Angeles, a place where everyone uses magic and supernatural creatures like vampires, werewolves, gremlins or zombies are taken as part of everyday life. Protagonist and narrator, played by Fred Ward, is Harry Philip Lovecraft, private detective who, unlike all of his fellow citizens, refuses to use magic. Despite this being seen as an impediment, he is hired by wealthy man named Amos Hackshaw (played by David Warner) in order to retrieve valuable old book called “Necronomicon” which was apparently stolen by Hackshaw’s chauffer Larry Willis (played by Lee Tergesen), who had been fired over alleged attempt to “corrupt”Hackshaw virgin 16-year old daughter Olivia (played by Alexandra Powers). The trail leads to night club owned by Harry Bordon (played by Clancy Brown), Lovecraft’s former partner from days when they both of them were policemen. Things are further complicated because Bordon’s girlfriend, singer Connie Stone (played by Julianne Moore), used be Lovecraft’s old girlfriend. As he investigates, Lovecraft realises that “Necronomicon” could be used in ritual intended to summon ancient evil deities that would take over the world.
Script by Joseph Daugherty represents homage to two great names of American 20th Century literature – H. P. Lovecraft, influential writer of horror fiction who created Chtuhlu Mythos; and Raymond Chandler, author of hard-boiled detective novels about Los Angeles private detective Philip Marlowe. Cast a Deadly Spell, produced by Gale Ann Hurd, former wife of James Cameron who helped make some of his early hits, represents almost perfect blend of both genres. Martin Campbell, British director who had established himself with famed BBC miniseries Edge of Darkness and later had success with James Bond films, provides superb direction and succeeds from the starts in building the film’s world. This is achievement is even more impressive when budget limitations are considered, although 6 million US$ was at the time quite large sum for television productions. Campbell also had good and diverse cast at his disposal. Fred Ward seems perfect for the role of jaded, cynical but ultimately moral protagonists who tries to keep clean conscience in the noirish world of corruption and beautiful women. Julianne Moore is impressive as femme fatale in one of her early roles. Same can be said for young Alexandra Powers who plays teenage sexpot with the same kind of ease. Music by Curt Sobel (who briefly appears in the film as ill-fated big band leader) perfectly encapsulates the period and it quite deservedly won Emmy. The only serious flaw in the film is the poor quality of special effects that make this film cheesy and dated, although this or few scenes with excessive violence and gore can be compensated with plenty of humour, including ironic twist at the end. Cast a Deadly Spell is surprisingly successful cable television film that aged very well and could be recommended to today’s audience. Its success was reflected three years in sequel The Witch Hunt, starring Dennis Hopper in Lovecraft’s role.
RATING: 7/10 (+++)
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