Year: 1955
Director: Robert Gordon
Country: US
Language: English
It Came From Beneath the Sea is Ray Harryhausen's follow up to The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms, a film that practically birthed an entire genre. Beast spawned many imitators in its wake, all who did rather poor attempts with practical effects, so I'd like to think that Harryhausen made this picture to show them who was still boss. It's a rather transcendent work that will remain astonishing because of the giant octopus creature that steals the show.
A giant, radioactive octopus rises from the Philippine Trench to terrorize the North American Pacific Coast.
Forget Gozilla vs. King Kong, I'd like to see Godzilla vs. giant radioactive octopus! It Came from Beneath the Sea stands as a magnificent accomplishment in pure cinema. It’s a film that not only exhibits the medium’s possibilities at the time but also its continuing appeal. Sometimes, we go to the movies for pure, sheer spectacle, and this delivers in that respect.
Director Robert Gordon doesn't give us our spectacle right away though, he slowly teases the nuclear paranoia out of us. Unfortunately this means some of the film is a bit too talky, but when the big reveal happens we can't help but be in awe. It Came from Beneath the Sea’s monster might be impersonal and indistinct,but it’s no less impressive in its detail and weight. Its tactile qualities speak to an unconscious desire for things that actually exist
Effects similar to those seen in this film are unfortunately not made anymore. Modern Hollywood clamors for big computer generated images because they apparently look "more realistic". I personally am impressed by the effects of the past & hope they become more integrated into films of the future. This film exemplifies the good qualities of cold war cinema. It is a must see.
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