The Color Out of Space

How difficult cosmic horror genre is to film well and to play well. But Die Farbe shows a near perfect understanding of Lovecraft's spirit. How I wish some film makers with more budget could really grasp the concept of Lovecraftian cosmic horror and finally deliver us something worth the amazing works of HPL. I'm still hoping but Die Farbe already did very well.

Although the script is not entirely original but taken from a Lovecraft script, the work of directing and photography make this product excellent. The film on which hovers a veil of mystery along its entire length attracts the viewer hypnotically through the inclined and caledoscopic eye of the camera. Interesting the chemical and geological elements present as well as the psychological cues analyzed by the director, depression, madness and catalepsy are optimally interpreted by the protagonists. Perhaps the only slightly out of tune is the slow pace and the absence of twists that subdue slightly. Beautiful use of black and white and excellent stereophony as well as good music. A strongly recommended film.

There is no question that this is one of this best, if not the best, example of bringing Lovercraftian horror into the visual spectrum. HP's stories are hard enough on their own to decipher what the characters are seeing and experiencing throughout their descent into madness or as a horrified listener of a tale spun by a veteran of Eldritch terrors. However, Huan Vu has done an amazing job at interpreting and presenting The Colour Out of Space. A story that is arguably one that is the most nebulous! The CG, while hokey at times, does what it needs to - but it doesn't detract much from the presentation itself given that this is not a Hollywood budgeted film. The choice of shooting in black and white for 2010 was a really good choice, especially in trying to convey the madness and atmosphere without specifically mentioning how horrible the situation is becoming for the Garteners. Stop motion also plays a nice role in showing decay and adding a subtle grotesqueness to scenes in which it is utilized. I really enjoyed all of the characters and especially the representation Mrs. Gartener's descent into madness as portrayed by Marah Schneider..very creepy and very affecting.

Honestly, if you have an reverence for this story I would give this movie a chance. I would highly recommend reading the story first before seeing the movie as to have a good anchor point. Overall, it stands high above other adaptations such as Dagon, Call of Cthulhu, Castle Freak and Re-Animator in it's cohesion and narrative justice.

HP Lovecraft stories are notoriously difficult to transcribe onto film. Most film versions of his stories have been disappointing. However, in this case, the filmmakers have managed very well. It is true that the locale of the story has been transposed to Germany and that a few plot points have been altered. Nevertheless, this film is very faithful to the original and, more importantly, maintains the eerie and paranoiac atmosphere for which Lovecraft was famous.

Although widely acknowledged as one of Lovecraft's best stories, "The Color Out of Space" was not really typical of his work. It contained more elements of science-fiction than most of the author's stories did. Some have speculated that he was attempting to describe the effects of radiation. However, that seems unlikely in light of the fact that the story was written in 1927, when such phenomena were not yet understood.

Some may criticize the fact that the film was shot in black-and-white. however, given the fact that the subject described as nothing more than merely a color, a color that no one has ever seen before, and which no one can describe, there really is not any other way in which the film could have been made.

Those expecting a normal sci-fi horror film may be disappointed with the slow pace and relative lack of "action" and spectacular special effects. However, it should be understood that this is entirely faithful to the manner in which Lovecraft wrote the story. Don't look for any vampires, werewolves or other monsters here. This is an eerily atmospheric story in which the horror creeps up gradually and silently, and is never really fully understood. However, it is well worthwhile staying with this movie because the story will grab you.

This is a well-done adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's "The Colour out of Space". The biggest disappointments come from some poor production choices, but if you set these aside there isn't much to complain about. The story is set in Germany and effectively recreates the layered narration typical to so many HPL stories. The minor liberties taken with the story are thoughtful and even enhance the tale a bit. I'd put this on par with the 2005 silent-film "The Call of Cthulhu" as one of the best HPL adaptations ever made. Definitely check it out if you are a fan of Lovecraft or of understated horror.

If you're looking for a more in-depth review, there are plenty on the web, and I've found most to be on-point and accurate.