Book Review: ED WOOD: MAD GENIUS [A Critical Study of the Films]

I just finished the great book, ED WOOD: MAD GENIUS [A Critical Study of the Films]. The book is by Rob Craig and published by McFarland Publishers (www.mcfarlandpub.com/). Here is a brief description of the film from McFarland website:

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.

Most everyone with interest in the Horror genre knows about Ed Wood, or at least, knows the name. Dubbed "the worst director of all time", Ed Wood's films have obtained a cult following and are now considered cult classics. This book is a very comprehensive look at every film of Ed Wood's including not only the films he directed, but even a section about all the films that Ed Wood wrote, but didn't direct.

Each Chapter in the book discusses one of Ed Wood's main films, from his first film GLEN OR GLENDA, to his "masterpiece", PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE, all the way to his final film...a film a lot of people might not be too familiar with called NECROMANIA--A TALE OF WEIRD LOVE from 1971, a film that mixed his usual Horror elements with a hardcore adult film! Crazy stuff! You can read all about this film and all the rest of his films in this great book. You will get in-depth descriptions of the films, as well as quotes, and behind the scenes info and trivia about each of Mr. Wood's films.

Once again, McFarland Publishers has put out a superb book pertaining to Horror films, and it is one you will definitely need to add to your Horror library.

You can call McFarland's toll free order line at 1-800-253-2187 to purchase this book or order directly from McFarland's website by CLICKING HERE.