Elvira, Mistress of the Dark

Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, from 1988, is a distinctive mixture of classic horror tropes, deadpan humor, and flamboyant camp aesthetics that brilliantly captures the essence of the counterculture in its time. The star of the movie, Cassandra Peterson, shines as the quick-witted and voluptuously seductive Elvira, aptly referred to as 'Mistress of the Dark,' who is also an iconic and beloved figure of the horror genre. Secondary characters, played by Phil Rubenstein and Larry Flash Jenkins, supplement the movie's tone with their well-rounded performances.

The movie commences with Elvira, a kitschy late-night horror hostess who dreams of opening her own Las Vegas show, but is short on funding. When she learns about her great-aunt's demise in a conservative Massachusetts town, Elvira seizes the opportunity to pay a visit, hoping to claim her inheritance which she believes will be enough to finance her show. A fish-out-of-water comedy ensues as the flamboyantly goth Elvira arrives in puritanical Fallwell, Massachusetts, much to the shock and disapproval of the town's prudish inhabitants.

Despite the town's initial hostility, Elvira's highly unique personality, eccentric gothic style, and infectious enthusiasm starts to win over some of the younger locals. However, with mysterious events revolving around her aunt's eerie mansion and a potentially dark family secret, the plot nonchalantly introduces elements of supernatural horror that serves to propel the whole narrative forward, creating a distinctive genre fusion.

Phil Rubenstein plays the role of Mr. Glotter, a dour and weaselly lawyer, embodying the close-minded and uptight attitudes of Fallwell's town council. Larry Flash Jenkins, on the other hand, provides a dash of friendliness to Elvira as the character of Alvin, proving to be one of the few locals that Elvira can consider a friend. The stark differences between these characters further amplify Elvira's allure and otherness as she navigates her way through the zealous town.

The supporting cast of the movie adds volume and life to the narrative, with vividly constructed personalities, each playing their role in the microcosm of this conservative town. As such, the movie achieves a sense of reality against which Elvira’s outlandish persona and the fantastical plot developments can spring into prominence.

Visually, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark is a treat for the eyes. The conservative town of Fallwell is distinctly gray and unexciting, making Elvira, with her jet-black hair and shapely, low-cut gown, stick out dramatically. On the other hand, her aunt’s mansion, where a significant action takes place, is a quirky work of gothic charm interlaced with odd and amusing surprises.

This is not just a movie; it's a subculture celebration. There's a message underlying its entertaining surface—a defense of individuality and non-conformity expressed through the character arc of Elvira and her interaction with the folks of Fallwell. Elvira’s confident flaunting of her sexuality is as much an affront to the town’s prudish norms as it is a liberation from them. In addition, the film's evocation of classic horror tropes, blended with a campy sense of humor, is a loving nod to the genre itself.

Ultimately, even though Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, deals with horror themes, they are always presented within a campy framework that serves to deflate any potentially terrifying moment with a joke or a pun. Despite being released in the late '80s, the movie retains a fresh appeal due to its unique fusion of comedy and horror, its strong style, and, of course, the indomitable charisma of its star, Cassandra Peterson.

Through thick and thin, with her heart and her humor, Elvira persists and perseveres, embodying the gothic rebellion against the mainstream. She is a seductive, powerful, and subversive icon in a world that is all too willing to declare her an outcast. The movie, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, is a testament to the enduring appeal of this larger-than-life character and a love letter to the power of being true to oneself.