Terence Fisher brought a new level of gore, sensuality, and vibrant colors to classic monster movies, revitalizing the genre. Fisher’s approach to the classic monsters was unique, starting with “The Curse of Frankenstein” in 1957. This film focused on the sinister ambition of Baron Victor Frankenstein, exploring the moral lengths one will go for their work. The film’s protagonist, Frankenstein, is a man who murders people and uses their body parts to build his creation. This isn’t a traditional take on Frankenstein’s monster, but rather an examination of how far someone will bend their morals for their work.
In 1958, Fisher conjured the world’s most famous vampire, Dracula, back from the dead with “Horror of Dracula.” This film lacks the depth of “The Curse of Frankenstein,” but makes up for it with its sheer energy. Fisher’s approach to Dracula was different, placing the central conflict between the vampire and his arch-nemesis, Van Helsing.
A Still From Terence Fisher’s Horror of Dracula (Via IMDB)
The two engage in a brutal battle, with Cushing’s character stalking Transylvania’s finest. This film was groundbreaking in its approach to sensuality, marking a departure from the usual terrified reactions of women to Dracula.
Fisher’s direction in “The Curse of Frankenstein” and “Horror of Dracula” showed that classic monsters could be reimagined in new and exciting ways. His films brought a new level of gore, sensuality, and vibrant colors to the genre, revitalizing it and paving the way for future horror filmmakers.
