Michael Reeves

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Michael Reeves
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Benjamin Halligan
SeriesBritish Film-Makers
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:264
Dimensions(mm): Height 198,Width 129
Category/GenreIndividual film directors and film-makers
ISBN/Barcode 9780719063510
ClassificationsDewey:791.430233092
Audience
Tertiary Education (US: College)
Professional & Vocational
General

Publishing Details

Publisher Manchester University Press
Imprint Manchester University Press
Publication Date 31 July 2003
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Cine-literate and single-minded, Michael Reeves took on exploitative film production companies, the British censors and even Vincent Price to create a unique vision of savage poetry and lacerating despair: "Witchfinder General". He died aged 25 in 1969, between the end of Swinging London and the collapse of the British film industry - an apt candidate to represent all that could have been. This critical biography claims Reeves as the great, lost auteur of British cinema and traces his conception of film back to his childhood and formative experiences. Benjamin Halligan examines Reeves' films in the context of the times, citing "The Sorcerers" and "Witchfinder General" as foreshadowing and critiquing the psychedelic and revolutionary zeitgeist. Reeves' earlier work on the fringes of the freewheeling European exploitation cinema is also covered, with particular emphasis on the "Revenge of the Blood Beast". Drawing on recollections from colleagues, friends and family - many speaking here for the first time - draft scripts, correspondence and original documentation pertaining to the controversial censorship of "Witchfinder", and Reeves' struggle with his own, private demons, Halligan creates a complete picture of this elusive, driven figure and his films. He speculates on what Reeves would have gone on to achieve, and why this should still matter.

Author Biography

Brian McFarlane is Honorary Associate Professor, School of English, Communication and Performance Studies, Monash University, Melbourne, and Visiting Professor, Film Studies, University of Hull Neil Sinyard is Professor of Film Studies at the University of Hull