How to Make a Monster

How to Make a Monster (1958) is an illustrious film of the science fiction and horror genre. The story orbits around a makeup artist, portrayed by Robert H. Harris, who becomes a toy in the hands of remorseless Hollywood bosses who lack concern for anyone else's feelings. Their unkind demeanor and inattentive treatment have taken its toll on him and he decides to retaliate. The film vividly illustrates the result of passion colliding with unquestioned authority, igniting a thrilling narrative that makes for an engaging viewing experience.

Set amidst the vibrant Hollywood industry of the mid-20th century, the movie starts with Robert H. Harris's character - Pete Dumond - a skilled makeup artist who has been crafting movie monsters for two decades for the studio. He's a craftsman with a love for his creations and is understandably proud of the attention received for making compellingly hideous creatures for multiple hit horror films.

However, the studio's new management, oblivious of the legacy of Pete, decides to rid the movies of monsters thereby rendering his expertise in this field useless. To his utter shock, Pete is issued his termination notice. This move threatens not just his professional life, but also his identity, as his work is his passion, his art. Therein begins the twisted journey of Pete's retaliation, vowed with a menacing fury against the people who dismissed his work with such apathy.

Director Herbert L. Strock mounts the film with an engaging set-up that progresses at a swift pace. The narrative presents a compelling view of the classic Hollywood studio system of the era. Robert H. Harris's performance as a passionate artist discarded by an unsympathetic system is rich and nuanced. He creates an ambience of tragic greatness through his character, with an enticing complexity that eloquently flexes between vulnerability and villainy.

The chilling aisle of horror opens up when Pete uses his skills to transform two actors, Larry Drake played by Gary Conway and Tony Mantell played by Gary Clarke, into living monsters. The transformation of the actors into horrific creatures highlights the artist's twisted ingenuity and brilliant workmanship. It exponentially increases the horror quotient of the film, holding the audience on the edge from start to finish.

Paul Brinegar shoulders the character of Rivero, Pete's assistant, who becomes a co-conspirator to his master in his ordeal. Brinegar balances the lighthearted moments and deep emotional scenes with his subtle yet brilliant acting. He's the perfect foil for Harris, both characteristically and dramatically, offering a depth to the narrative.

The movie also introduces an ingenious angle of hypnotism which Pete uses to control his monstrous creations. When the actors are under the hypnotic state, they turn into menacing creatures that can be compelled to perform deadly deeds. This inclusion of hypnosis as a narrative tool adds an intriguing philosophical touch to the tale, subtly hinting at realities beyond conventional comprehension.

How to Make a Monster carefully peppers elements of horror and science fiction, beautifully woven into the narrative, ensuring the viewer is gripped through its layered narrative. It flawlessly captures the shifting dynamics of power, revenge, and the lengths an artist could go when their craft is threatened.

Moreover, the film engages its audiences on an intellectual level with its commentary on the volatility of Hollywood’s film industry and the often discarded, unsung artisans who contribute significant value towards making cinema a magical experience. It reveals a spellbinding picture of the dramatic endeavors behind the camera.

The cinematography of the film deserves mention. From the detailing of Dumond's lab, with its strange makeup materials, to the eerily lit scenes of incipient terror, the camerawork enhances the film’s chilling tone. The change from grayscale to color during significant parts showcases the skilled creativity of the filmmakers. Undeniably, it brings a vibrant contrast to the visual narrative, making it all the more appealing.

Meanwhile, the makeup and costuming are commendable, adding credibility to the horror vision of the film. The background score does an exceptional role in keeping the tension alive, with its unnerving timely beats. The amalgamation of all these features creates precisely the spine-chilling, hair-raising masterpiece that the 1958 film is renowned to be.

In conclusion, How to Make a Monster is a gripping tale set in the golden age of Hollywood, filled with suspense, drama, and a thick layer of horror. It is a must-see for fans of classic horror and those who enjoy films that leave a lasting impression.