Horror directors and superhero movies seem to be a match made in heaven. Whether it’sSam Raimi’sheartfelt take on Spider-ManorJames Wan’sbombastic, globe-trotting approach to Aquaman, certain directors put just as much emphasis into the world of capes and cowls that they do the shrieks and scares of their horror efforts. It could be said that the creatures in horror films and the characters in various superheroic mythologies both represent bigger ideas about humanity.Godzilla is a metaphor for the horrors of nuclear war, while the X-Men often serve as a stand-in for the marginalized. But the apex of this trope might beWes Craven’sSwamp Thingmovie - particularly because it’s the perfect match of character and director.
What Is ‘Swamp Thing’ About?
Craven’s take onSwamp Thinghews close to the original DC Comics run byLen WeinandBernie Wrightson; Alec Holland (Ray Wise), a brilliant scientist, is working on a formula that rapidly grows plant life with his sister Linda (Nannette Brown). But mercenary Anton Arcane (Louis Jordan) attacks their laboratory, killing Linda and dousing Alec in the formula - and setting him aflame. Alec races into the swampland surrounding his lab,transforming into a massive heap of humanoid vegetation.Now called the “Swamp Thing,” Alec fights Arcane’s forces while protecting researcher Alice Cable (Adrienne Barbeau), who holds the journal that contains the secret to the Hollands' formula.
The 10 Scariest Wes Craven Movies, Ranked
“…Nine, ten, never sleep again…”
Though he had yet to deliver the horror masterpiece that isA Nightmare on Elm Street,Craven’s signature flourishes are on full displayduringSwamp Thing. The swamps containing the Hollands' laboratory are shot in a hazy, sunlit way that is equally menacing and mysterious. As for Swamp Thing himself, the plant-powered protector cuts a rather imposing figure thanks toDick Durock, who slid on a suit that is a pitch-perfect replica of Wrightson’s iconic Swamp Thing design.Swamp Thing’s first appearancealso sells the horror aspect of the character; he sends a boat of Arcane’s mercenaries flying with a single punch while shrugging off bullets and grenades. Craven also showcases a connection between Swamp Thing and Alice, giving them interactions laced with the kind of romantic undertones thatGuillermo del Torowould love.
‘Swamp Thing’ Was a Box Office Bust, but Made a Killing on Home Video
Craven deliveredSwamp Thingon time and budget- a rarity in Hollywood - but it didn’t really take offuntil it hit home video and cable. This ironically led to a memorable incident in 2002 whena woman picked up theSwamp ThingDVD.She would soon learn that the DVDcontained the longer, international cut of the film; said cut has far more violence and nudity, which obviously isn’tPG material(to be fair, the ‘PG’ rating was rather lax back in the ’80s). The theatrical cut and the international cut received separate DVDs in later years, with last year seeing a re-release ofSwamp Thingwith both versions.Swamp Thingalso received critical praise from the late, greatRoger Eberthimself!In his review,Ebert said, “There’s beauty in this movie, if you know where to look for it.” Such a badge of honor shows thatSwamp Thingwas operating on a different level fromother comic book adaptations.
Swamp Thing Continues To Be a Fixture in DC Adaptations
The success ofSwamp Thingled to a flurry of adaptations, starting withThe Return of Swamp Thingin 1989. While Dick Durock would return as Swamp Thing, Craven declined to return for a sequel - and so did Adrienne Barbeau, withHeather Locklearportraying a new love interest in Abby Arcane. (Ironically, it turns out that Locklear and Durockdidn’t get along on set.) Swamp Thing also starred in ashort-lived animated series in 1990and most recently in an even shorter television seriesthat deserves its flowers, if you’ll pardon the pun, for capturing the tragedy and horror inherent in the character in a way that no one since Craven has been able to touch.
Swamp Thing will rise again; a newSwamp Thingmovie is being developed underJames GunnandPeter Safran’s DC Studios, withJames Mangoldpenning the script. Given Mangold’s work onLoganand Gunn & Safran’s desire to make each DC project distinct, there could finally be a take on Swamp Thing that matches Wes Craven’s delightfully dark vision.
Swamp Thingis available to stream on Prime Video in the U.S.
Swamp Thing
Watch on Prime Video
