Schlock

Schlock is a 1973 horror-comedy movie written and directed by John Landis in his directorial debut. The film stars Landis himself in the principal role along with Saul Kahan and Joseph Piantadosi. It is a low-budget, independent flick made with a sense of humor and a profound love for classic horror and monster movies.

Schlock beautifully pays homage to the B-movie monster genre, blending comedy, horror, and parody in an entertaining mix. In it, Landis plays the role of ‘Schlockthropus’, a prehistoric ape-like creature that awakens after millions of years of hibernation. With a silly-terrifying appearance comprising a hairy body, three fingers on each hand, and a single large eye, the character is at once comical and menacing.

The film opens with a series of gruesome but suspicious murders in a small town, where detectives are left scratching their heads in confusion and fear. The only clue they have is enormous footprints found near the crime scenes, hinting towards an anomalous creature responsible for the carnage. As the town grips in horror, what they do not know is that their fear is caused by an ancient and hairy beast, Schlock.

However, Schlock is not purely a monster to scare audiences. Through a twist of fate, he stumbles upon Mindy, a blind high-school girl who takes Schlock for a dog and, through innocent gestures, wins his affection. Notwithstanding the humor injected into the plot by this odd and incredible relationship, it adds layers of emotional depth to the character of Schlock.

John Landis, apart from directing and writing, masterfully essayed the role of the quirky monster. Despite the limitation of movements due to the restrictive monster suit, Landis manages to imbue Schlock with an array of emotions. It's hard not to empathize with the creature as it flips between a deadly killer and a creature with a heart who is just trying to adapt to its new, confusing environment.

Landis' admiration for classic horror films is apparent throughout Schlock. In many ways, the movie feels like a love letter to them, as it gently spoofs their tropes while still respecting the genre. Schlock often references other iconic films like King Kong and The Blob. It even goes so far as to parody the sub-genre of "killer nature" films, prevalent from the late 60s well into the 70s.

Despite its limited resources, Schlock shines in its costume design by Rick Baker, who went on to become one of the greatest special effects artists in movie history. Baker’s design for Landis’s character Schlock celebrated the remarkably grotesque yet enduringly iconic beast which till date stands as a milestone in B genre monster movies.

Saul Kahan as the determined yet haplessly comical detective and Joseph Piantadosi as the clueless professor comprise the supporting cast, lending their own brand of humor and adding variety to the mix. These characters are drawn with broad strokes and a sense of humor that balances the drift between the thriller and comedy flawlessly.

Moreover, the script, interspersed with quotable dialogue, showcases the signature style and humor we would come to associate with Landis in his later films. With notable comic book pacing, the film displays a keen sense for the slapstick, combined with Landis’ knack of creating amusing situations even in life-threatening scenes.

Technically, Schlock is impressively handled for a directorial debut. Although the low-budget nature of the film is palpable in certain scenes, the shot composition and technical execution bear testimony to Landis' talent as a filmmaker.

In conclusion, Schlock is an absorbing blend of slapstick comedy, satire, and monster horror. It never takes itself too seriously and yet delivers heart, humor, and horror in equal measure. Its strength lies in its ability to laugh at the genre it represents while still crafting a thoroughly entertaining flick. For film buffs, especially those interested in Landis's career and history of horror-comedy, this is a must-watch. For viewers who want a film that's something outside the box - equal parts laugher and shudders - Schlock is the perfect play.