In 2024, the world bid farewell to a legendary figure - Roger Corman. This B-level film master who passed away at the age of 98 is not only a director, screenwriter, producer and actor, but also a disruptor of the entire film industry.He is famous for his independent spirit and low-cost production, but he has become the starting point for many film masters: from Robert De Niro to Martin Scorsese, from Francis Ford Coppola to James Cameron, their names are shining brightly in film history.
Koman's name has almost become synonymous with "number" and "passion". He directed 55 films throughout his life, spanning various types such as comedy, horror, science fiction, eroticism, gothics, etc.While remembering this "B-rated King of Films", we have selected ten of his most memorable works in his career as a director, paying tribute to this prolific and visionary filmmaker.
The Wasp Woman
After a year of success in "The Fly", Koeman quickly released his sequel, "The Wasp".This film, starring Susan Capoter, tells the story of a cosmetics company's hostess who is addicted to the experiment of youth forever.She injected royal jelly into her body, trying to reverse time, but she turned into a bloodthirsty monster.
Although the "Water Girl" on the poster is more like a weird woman wearing insect-eyed sunglasses, it is exactly one of the fun of watching Koeman's movies.Those cheap and funny special effects add a bit of fun to the film. It does not pursue scientific logic, but explores the price behind beauty and desire in a relaxed and absurd way.Just as "The Fly" warns humans of arrogance to challenge the laws of nature, "The Wasp" points directly to the illusion of the beauty industry with satirical brushstrokes, and its theme even reminds people of the unforgettable "The Price of Beauty" in "The Realm of Miscellaneous".
The Little Shop of Horrors (1960)
Although later musical versions were widely praised, we might never have seen the classic IP of "Horror Shop" without Koeman's 1960 low-cost original.The film revolves around the flower shop employee Seymour, who gradually gained fame and fortune while cultivating a mysterious man-eating plant, but also paid an unimaginable price.
This is a black humorous work with a compact rhythm and a witty style, and even more primitive charm than the later adaptation.Jack Nicholson plays a self-abuse dental patient in it. Although he doesn't have many scenes, he has already become a superstar.The entire film is only 72 minutes, but it wraps warmth in absurdity, telling the strange bond between a boy and his cannibal plants.
《Gas!Or to destroy the world to save it》 (Gas-s-s-s!)
This is Koeman's last work for American International Films (AIP), and the craziest one.The story is set in a world where only people under the age of 25 are left due to the release of mysterious gases, and teenagers must rebuild social order.However, chaos and absurdity are the real protagonists.
The film seems to be a farce in a hippie robe, mixing the satirical style of early Mad Magazine with the unfinished Mad Max concept.The costume design is like the rehearsal scene of "God Spell" from a community theater, and the overall atmosphere is like an out of control party.It is said that AIP editing seriously undermines Koeman's original intentions, and many fans are still calling for: "Releasing Koeman's editing version!" After all, who doesn't want to see that crazy vision buried?
《Bloody Mama》 (H2>
If you ever fantasized about seeing Shirley Winters directing his son's criminal group with a cigar in his arms and holding a Tommy gun, then "Bloody Mom" is tailor-made for you.The film is inspired by the real criminal "mother" Kate Barker, showing the turbulent years of the gangster family in the 1930s.
The video is technically rough, but this actually reinforces the chaotic and crazy texture.Shirley Winters' performance is shocking, especially considering that she won the Oscar for Best Actress with "Blue Shade" just five years ago.This movie not only brings future superstars to the forefront, but also allows veteran actors to release their wildness. It is a black fable about mothers, violence and family bonds.
The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre
The power struggle between Al Capone and George "Bomb" Moran culminates in this film focusing on the history of Chicago's gangsters.The film recreates the street gunfight that shocked the whole country and becomes one of Koeman's most visually impactful works.
Unlike previous low-cost styles, this film has more exquisite photography and sets, showing Koeman's creative potential when he is well-resourced.Jason Robaz’s Capone became a classic in film history, and the film itself also heralds the arrival of the new Hollywood era—it was the directors who had trained on the set of Koeman that promoted the film revolution.
The Trip
If there is a movie that allows you to experience an LSD illusion journey, it is Journey.Written by Jack Nicholson and directed by Koeman, joined by stars such as Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, the film captures the essence of the psychedelic culture of the late 1960s.
The plot is loose but extremely immersive, and the protagonist's inner struggle and liberation are shown through a psychedelic journey.The dazzling visual effects, sudden sexy scenes, and even scenes traveling back to Koeman's own other movies make this film a truly "acid movie".The best way to watch this film is to let go of expectations and let the images and emotions drag you into that storm of your heart.
"X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes"
This science fiction horror film tells the story of a scientist falling into madness after accidentally gaining X-ray vision.The doctor played by Ray Milan originally wanted to help humans break through the visual limits, but was eventually swallowed by his own abilities.
The film uses exaggerated contact lenses to create disturbing visual images, and also raises profound philosophical questions: Is it a blessing or a disaster when a person can see things that ordinary people cannot see?From peeping into privacy to cheating in casinos to mental breakdowns, the film progressively reveals the fragility and greed of human nature when facing superpowers.
The Wild Angels
This video, set in the Hell Angel Motorcycle Party, breaks the traditional binary opposition between Mounted Police and villains.Instead of glorifying the marginalized group, Koeman made them struggle between loyalty and betrayal, love and violence.
The performances of Bruce Dunn, Peter Fonda and Nancy Sinatra are extremely tense. They are not heroes or villains, but real portrayals of the lost soul in real society.Even though the budget was limited, Koeman still gave the film a strong social critical meaning, making it the most representative work of rebellious youth at that time.
The Intruder
William Shatner plays a white supremacist who incites racial hatred, trying to spark racial conflict in a school that is about to be integrated.The film was released in 1962 and was released the same year as "Kill a Mockingbird", but was boycotted by the publisher because of its sharp theme.
This is not a documentary about racial oppression, but an indictment that exposes the indifference and complicity of white society.Koeman mercilessly tore open the mask of the "American Dream" and questioned the audience: When you remain silent, is it also promoting hatred?Shatner's performance is creepy, and the questions raised by the film are still not outdated.
Ellan Poe Movies Series
One of Koeman's most brilliant directorial achievements is his adaptation of Allan Poe's novel.From "The Mask of the Red Death" to "The Collapse of the Usher House", these films not only starred by horror superstar Vincent Price, but also invited Richard Matherson to be the screenwriter, setting a new standard for Gothic horror films.
They were initially positioned as entertainment products for teenagers, but they inadvertently created a new trend in horror movies.In particular, "The Punishment Under the Pendulum" is believed to have influenced the later cut-and-slay films and the rise of the Italian "Elysia Cemetery" style.Koeman used low costs to complete the perfect combination of art and business, and also left an indelible mark on global horror films.
