Venom

Summary

“Anna, I suppose, is the spider goddess?”

During its initial run, Twilight Time was one of my favorite Blu-ray distribution labels. Run by Nick Redman and Brian Jamieson, with amazing contributions from the lovely Julie Kirgo, Twilight Time specialized in releasing limited editions of films onto Blu-ray which the studios did not have interest in giving proper releases. Films by Peckinpah, David Lynch, and John Carpenter all received releases from the company. Sadly, the great Nick Redman passed away a couple years ago from cancer. I had been lucky enough to interview Nick twice, and have continued my friendship with Julie in the years since his death. She remains the same absolutely wonderful person that everyone enjoyed hearing in the great Twilight Time commentary tracks. 

I was happy to see that the label was being revived by Screen Archives Entertainment. From their first run of releases, I gather that the label is starting out specializing in releasing cult films. Their first release is a British film from 1971 called Venom which is also known by the title of The Legend of Spider Forest. Directed by former Hammer Studios director Peter Sykes, the film is a strange mishmash of numerous horror film tropes. I had some time and decided to check it out the other night.

In Germany – Two skinnydippers walk out of a lake into the forest to hook up. The man doesn’t realize he is being lured into a spiderweb of some killer (or monster?) not shown onscreen. He is killed and venom rolls down his neck. The girl looks on and then a mark on her shoulder reveals the shape of a spider. An artist named Paul Greville arrives in the town outside of the forrest. While drawing some nearby scenery, he meets the strange girl with the mark of the spider. When he tries to photograph her, she runs away. In the town, Peter encounters the strange townsfolk who seem to be hiding something. When he brings up seeing the girl in the forest, the townspeople just tell him that he may be seeing a goddess of the spiders that roam the forest. He beds the innkeeper’s daughter, possibly under directions from her father, but she seems to have ulterior motives. When Peter sees the strange girl from the forest outside his window, he decides to track her down. He eventually learns that her name is Anna and that anyone who grows too close to her has wound up dead. Is she a spider goddess? Is there something sinister happening in the village?

This movie is bonkers. I tried my best to understand exactly what was happening in the film, but as I watched the film I was largely befuddled. For those interested in seeing the movie, it is definitely a curio. It also is for the most part fairly incoherent. That did not stop the film from entertaining me, and it did not keep me from seeing the film through. I wanted to see where the story went, even when I had massive difficulties figuring out what the hell was going on. When the film reached its absolutely insane climax, I was happy I had stayed the course. I don’t want to ruin the finale, but it is pretty out there.

The cinematography in the film by Peter Jessop has plenty of moments that captured my eye. The film has numerous scenes where style completely overwhelms the film in a positive way – such as the green filter used in the opening sequence or during a crash of lightning that looked very artificial but also very interesting. The film benefits from the truly beautiful German surroundings and wonderful large trees in their forests.

The performances in the film are not particularly memorable. Simon Brent is fine in the role of Paul Greville, but he doesn’t have much in the way of leading man charisma. In fight scenes in particular, he falls a little flat. The most memorable performance in the film is that of Anna by Neda Arneric. Neda carries herself in the film with an air of mystery. She also was very easy on the eyes.

For a PG rated film, I was shocked to see full frontal nudity within seconds of the film beginning. There are also numerous sequences that show Anna’s breasts. Who did they bribe to receive their PG rating? I am so thankful that I did not show this film to my two boys, as I would have had a lot of explaining to do to my wife.

Overall – this movie is a curiosity that never quite gelled completely for me, but it was still pretty entertaining and bizarre. I am happy that the rebooted Twilight Time is starting out with such a strange entry. I look forward to seeing what they release next!

Video

Twilight Time have provided a transfer of the film from a restoration performed by Pinewood. This transfer is pretty healthy and shows the film in a warts and all presentation. There are some color fluctuations occasionally and the film definitely shows its age. Specking pops up occasionally and the film can become fairly grainy at times. I still thought the proceedings were a step above watching the film on the old DVD which was rumored to look pretty terrible, but fans should keep their expectations in the mid-range.

Audio

Twilight Time has provided an English DTS HD-MA 1.0 track for the film. Obviously the range is somewhat limited. The audio for this release felt a little bit difficult to understand. Volume fluctuates slightly and it has a slightly muffled sound.

Supplements:

None for this release.

Overall Scores:

Video – 3.5/5

Audio – 3.5/5

Supplements – 0/5

Overall – 3/5

Venom a.k.a. The Legend of Spider Forest is an absolutely insane and nearly inscrutable piece of horror filmmaking from the early Seventies. This film is certainly a curio and its finale is definitely worth watching play out. The film is essentially a mishmash of as many horror tropes as possible, but the film does not have any idea of how to convey the plot to the audience. I honestly had no idea what was happening for long stretches of the film. While the film itself is probably only of interest to fans of director Peter Sykes and the most devout British horror collectors, I am happy to see that Twilight Time is starting the label back up with such a strange pick. I look forward to seeing what the label decides to release in the near future!