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< General ~ Some questions regarding the Grand Guignol.. |
| Theri |
 Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 4:58 am |
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New Member
Joined: 13 Aug 2008
Posts: 2
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Hey!
I was hoping to ask a few questions regarding the Grand Guignol and the Thrillpeddlers, though first I should explain myself;
Well, to the dismay of my parents, I chose to research the Grand Guignol as a part of my Yr 12 Drama studies. I've read into Mel Gordon's book (as there really isn't much out there for english-speaking audiences :/) and managed to write up about the history of the Theatre, though now I need to research its place in the modern horror genre. So i'd like to ask an opinion of, well, experts ^^.
First up,
How were Thrillpeddlers established? And, being San Francisco-based, has it been popular with American audiences?
I read that when the Grand Guignol tried to go Abroad in the United States, it was completely rejected. I thought it a little ironic that now, Hollywood is often responsible for generating a significant amount of horror/gore films... I guess my question is whether or not American audiences aknowledge where the idea of ... glorifying or.. using horror for entertainment had come from?
I mean here, about 98% of the people i've asked can't even pronounce it let alone know what it is.
I watched (not to mention bought) the collector's edition of Tim Burton's Sweeney Todd (Awesome!) and gained a little more insight into the Grand Guignol in the modern era, though can you suggest any other movies besides anything Tim Burton, that were influenced or inspired by the Grand Guignol? (Preferably focusing on the idea of realism or "the monster within us all")
...and regarding that last question, I recently watched Hostel, Though Tarantino didn't direct it, it reminded me a lot of the principles from the Grand Guignol. My teacher suggested Natural Born Killers, also. Would you happen to know if Tarantino has been influenced by the Grand Guignol so I can possibly refer to him in my studies?
If there is anything you'd like to add... feel free to.
Thanks~! |
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| Michael L |
| Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 2:29 am |
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Joined: 11 Jun 2004
Posts: 5
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| Tarantino is a hardcore fan of Hershell Gordon Lewis, who is greatly influenced by the Grand Guignol plays. I hope this will help. |
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| Theri |
| Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 4:26 am |
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Joined: 13 Aug 2008
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That does help, thankyou!
I'd be surprised if Tarantino had no idea about the GG, but I just wanted to make sure ^^. I'll look this guy up then, thanks again. |
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| Russell Blackwood |
| Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 10:36 am |
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Moderator
Joined: 18 Sep 2003
Posts: 125
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Hi Theri!
I interviewed HG Lewis recently and talked with him about his "grand guignol"/spookshow movie theatre in Chicago. Check it out: http://www.amoeba.com/live-shows/videos/hg-lewis.html
Films of interest to you might be MAD LOVE and LES YEUX SANS VISAGE (very GG, the theatre even produced a stage version of it!).
Glad GG has captured your interest!
Russ |
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