The most celebrated 'Inept Director' of all time, Ed Wood's output is treated with affection by cult movie fans today but when he was living, Wood was a total joke in the industry. Looking back, some of Wood's output was ahead of its time - such as Glen or Glenda? which explored transvestitism in an age (1953) that was extremely hostile to trans-gendered issues. Bela Lugosi, in a serious case of scraping the barrel when you are down and out, appeared in many of Wood's films. This didn't enhance either Wood's or Lugosi's critical stature. In fact Lugosi's son stated outright that Wood exploited his father to star in his pictures when he was too ill and desperate to say no. Wood had to really struggle to get his films made. This has led to an admiration of his determination and sheer balls in getting a lot of his projects off the ground. Wood left a rich cultural heritage behind him. There is a religion devoted to him with 3,500 members - "Woodites" who celebrate Woodmas - Ed's birthday on the 10th October every year. I personally, am not that fond of Wood, I fail to see the supposed 'genius' in his inept films. I did like the movie based on his life though, and Ed appeared to be a pretty interesting character.
My first film watched was Carrie aged 2 on my dad's knee. Educated at The University of St Andrews and Trinity College Dublin. Fan of Arthouse, Exploitation, Horror, Euro Trash, Giallo, New French Extremism. Weaned at the bosom of a Russ Meyer starlet. The bleaker, artier or sleazier the better!
