Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)

By Vince Man
July 30, 2006

Suffice it to say, I'm not the biggest fan of being in water, so after watching The Creature from the Black Lagoon I was only all the more hesitant to go for a dip.

I went to see the classic 1954 flick on Tuesday as part of Yonge-Dundas Square's series of summer films. This summer's theme has been appropriately named Creature Features and will feature a different movie every week. The list includes Jaws, The Blob, Planet of the Apes, The Birds, and Black Lagoon, which led off the order before 300 viewers from all walks of life, in a makeshift open-air cinema.

Even before the movie began, the experience was enhanced in a number of ways. As previously mentioned, the venue was of the outdoor variety under the night sky, giving it the drive-in vibe. It was only fitting that an old creature flick with the acclaim of Black Lagoon be viewed in such an arena. Sitting there, I could just imagine a teenaged couple from the 50s, all clean-cut and proper, making out, ignoring the film. Neat daddy-o!

Next to me was an old fogy of a lady whose baritone laughs echoed down Yonge Street. On my other side was the Comic Book Dude from The Simpsons - worst seat...ever. I was bound to run into fascinating characters wherever I sat, as skaters, hot city chicks, suits, people I deemed to be potheads (judging from the clothing splashed with marijuana plants) and the Marilyn Manson Fan Club rounded out the crowd.

Still, I knew I was in for a great time as the movie was being shown in what people in the film industry call "3D". Wearing ridiculous 3D glasses guarantees an awesome time. By putting on these glasses with blue and red lenses you automatically let your guard down and focus on the task at hand. Ah, yes, the movie itself!

An expedition sends scientists, a greedy business man, a ship captain and his crew deep into the heart of the Amazon River to uncover fossils from the enigmatic Black Lagoon. People have traveled to the aforementioned destination in the past, but never to return. The brave bunch wish to uncover the secret behind an artifact (the hand, paw, claw, or whatever) Dr. Thompson (White Bissell) finds upstream.

Early on, it is quite clear that two scientists, David (Richard Carlson) and Mark (Richard Denning), have no love lost. David complains that Mark is in the field only for the potential to become rich and famous instead of seeking to learn more about the world to improve life. The good scientist goes on to rant about species from the Devonian Period proving that he is the know all and end all of science. Frankly, because of this fact, he was not my favourite character. Sure he represents humanity and all that is good, but nevertheless he rubbed me the wrong way.

When the cast reaches the Black Lagoon, all hell breaks loose and a "hate triangle" of sorts formulates. The Gill-Man finally chooses to show his grotesque mug while the two male scientists go diving for fossils. Upon the sighting of Gill-Man, David and Mark have differing motives - David's is to find out more about this creature and Mark's is to bring the ugly son of a gun back home to become filthy rich. And seeing as how Gill-Man is feasting on crew members, there is a lot of tension back on board the captain's ship.

This tension comes to a boiling point when David and Mark engage in the best (by best I mean the most comical) fight I have ever seen in a movie. The two trade punches in hands down the most girly fight in history. Upon throwing a swing, David's testosterone leads him to tackle the job of breaking down a dam that has trapped the ship within the Lagoon. David wishes to get the hell out of the place, but Mark wants to risk everyone's life to capture the freak.

All the while, Gill-Man wonders what he did to have his home invaded by this ship full of lunatics. After mauling a handful of humans, Gill-Man becomes infatuated with Kay, the lone female member aboard the ship. He stalks her as she stupidly goes for a dip in the Lagoon. The resident creature admires her beauty but wishes not to harm her, as shown with the image of him reaching for her feet. Of course, this image is ripped off by Spielberg in Jaws - the view from beneath the water with legs dangling and exposed and the creature quickly approaching. Thus a love triangle ensues when David, who is also Kay's lover, is thrown into the mix.

Entertainment 7/10

Though the premise behind the film is rather simple, these relationships add enough oomph to it to keep it from becoming too cut and dry. What I liked most about the film was the comedic cat and mouse chases between the humans and Gill-Man. Never was Gill-Man truly the beast on a hunt, but rather someone who was just a bit pissed that he was disturbed while watching I Love Lucy. But what really sticks out in my mind are the scenes where Gill-Man sneaks up on the humans aboard the ship. Can you imagine a huge amphibian man the size of Shaq silently climbing on your ship, tip-toeing across the deck and tapping you on the shoulder: "Guess who?"

Innovation 9/10

For being a film available in 3D, it automatically scores high in our innovation category. Though rarely does anything from the screen really jump out at you. It's not every day you get the chance to see a movie in this format. What's also innovative was Gill-Man himself. This was not a robot being controlled by a guy in the back of a truck, rather Gill-Man was played by a real live person. This is even more impressive as Gill-Man seemingly didn't have to breathe much and there was no trace of any oxygen tanks. This mean looking creature deserves high marks.

Emotional Resonance 6/10

Unfortunately, the characters were not especially likeable. Nobody really ever likes Mr. Smarty Pants (David) who is supposed to be the main protagonist. And though I may have felt a tiny bit sorry for Gill-Man, it wasn't enough for top marks. I'd still agree he was the catalyst for the whole massacre...or am I just being cold?

Social Context 7/10

Black Lagoon parallels our society in that humans destroy everything no matter where they go. The scientists go into the Lagoon and start beef with Gill-Man. I conclude that we humans are the cancer of the Earth...but it's a dog eat dog world.

Recall 8/10

If you can see this film in the atmosphere which I saw it in, it is definitely worth the 80 minutes. Sure I found it comical, not the intended effect, but I must give credit to the film which was made decades ago. Watching this film is truly an experience complete with the 3D effects and all.

Overall 74%

As for taking a dip in our own polluted Lake Ontario, I'd now have to give that a third thought considering all the chemicals in it...and Gill-Man fondling my toes.

Running Time: 1 hour, 19 minutes
MPAA Rating: G
Director: Jack Arnold
Producer: William Alland
Story: Maurice Zimm
Screenplay: Harry Essex and Arthur A. Ross
Director of Photography: William E. Snyder
Editor: Ted J. Kent
Music: Henry Mancini, Hans J. Salter, and Herman Stein