Something Weird

Something Weird is a bold, psychedelic delve into the eccentricities of the horror genre released in 1967. Directed by Herschell Gordon Lewis, who is renowned for adding visual flamboyance to the otherwise monotone world of 60s horror cinema, the film stars Tony McCabe, Elizabeth Lee and William Brooker. This horror-sci-fi flick is a one-of-a-kind exemplar of pulp storytelling that merges the occult, crime and romance in an intriguing and surprising mix.

The principal character, played brilliantly by Tony McCabe, is an average electrician named Cronin Mitchell who encounters an unusual, and grizzly, electrical accident that leaves him terribly disfigured. This incident initiates the narrative tension that underlies Lewis's deft fusion of tragedy, horror and melodrama. His life takes an unusual twist when, as a consequence of the accident, he is granted psychic abilities that render him an object of public fascination and government attention, which further complicate his otherwise ordinary life.

Yet, the powers come forth as a curse rather than a blessing for Cronin, for he finds himself enmeshed in the throes of bizarre circumstances, one after the other. He becomes a sought-after psychic, his abilities publicized nationwide, leading him to play reluctant hero as he endeavors to solve a string of murders haunting his town. In these suspense-ridden sequences, the film's horror elements are unmistakably pronounced. McCabe's performance perfectly captures the reluctant psychic's terror and despair, encapsulating the overarching sense of foreboding that permeates this unconventional flick.

Elizabeth Lee plays Ellen Parker, a mysterious woman with secrets of her own who helps Cronin conceal his disfigurement through her witchcraft abilities. The relationship between Cronin and Ellen forms the emotional core of the film and instills a layer of romantic intrigue to the storyline. Their association moves from an initial stage of mutual need and understanding to a more complex bond caught amidst the sinister events from their shared and personal past. Lee’s mysterious performance combined with McCabe’s grieving hero adds a haunting atmosphere that is prevalent throughout the film.

As Lovecraftian horrors seep into the narrative via Cronin's relentless pursuit of answers, Lewis masterfully employs surreal imagery and special effects, weaving a maddening spiral of dread with constantly shifting realities. Notably utilized is Cronin's psychic vision, often portrayed through distorted camera angles and lighting effects, bringing to life his tormented world in an eerily vivid manner. These hallucinatory sequences, often filled with a technicolor palette, amplify the film's psychedelic ambiance and underscore Lewis's flair for visual storytelling.

Whilst at its surface level a horror flick, Something Weird also subtly grapples with nuanced themes of alienation, identity, sacrifice, and the power play between science and supernatural. The film tactically uses its horrific elements to explore the psychic's battle against his own demons, both figurative and literal. Moreover, the clever injection of dark humor, done through the use of character interactions and black comedy setpieces, lends another dimension to this highly allegorical film.

A special mention must be made of William Brooker who plays Detective Sergeant Jeff Stone. As Ellen and Cronin step deeper into the underbelly of the town's mysteries, they inevitably cross paths with Jeff, whose skepticism is only matched by his unwavering pursuit for justice. Brooker’s performance adds an invigorating tension to the storyline as he struggles to make sense of the inexplicable events occurring around him.

In conclusion, Something Weird is an iconic film romp through a world of mysteries, murder, psychic abilities and a touch of romance. Its amalgamation of horror, science-fiction and melodrama elements underpin a distinctly original narrative that is at once mesmerizing and chillingly intense. Vibrantly colorful and quaintly dark, it seizes the attention with a compelling exploration of its themes and storytelling audacity. Beyond the bewitching performances and the astute direction, the real mastery of the film lies in Lewis's ability to weave a tale that's undeniably 'something weird.'