This Day in Horror History: DAGON Was Released in 2001
Josh Millican
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When you say “Stuart Gordon”, horror aficionados immediately think Re-Animator, From Beyond, Castle Freak… But fans of H.P. Lovecraft have long been singing the praises of Gordon’s adaptation of Dagon (which incorporates that short story as well as “The Shadow Over Innsmouth”) released on this day in 2001. If you’ve never experienced this haunting tale of primal seduction and infinite dread, give the trailer and synopsis a spin below.
Synopsis:
Paul Marsh (Ezra Godden) is yachting on the Spanish coast with three companions when a freak storm causes their boat to founder on the rocks. Paul goes to a nearby village to get assistance, as two of his friends have been trapped in the boat’s wreckage. He notices that the locals seem odd, and their behavior grows increasingly strange. When Paul begins seeing a mermaid (Macarena Gomez) who has appeared in his nightmares, he realizes that the fearful world of his dreams is now a reality.
Trivia:
Paul’s shirt in the film indicates he is an alumnus of Miskatonic University, an institution that features prominently in H.P. Lovecraft’s stories and one of the settings in Re-Animator (1985), the first Lovecraft adaptation by director Stuart Gordon, producer Brian Yuzna, and writer Dennis Paoli. (Source)
Brian Yuzna was in his car once with his wife, Kathy, and they were stopped by a gunman. Although terrified, Yuzna grabbed the gun and started smacking the guy with it. They ended up fighting, and Kathy started hitting the gunman with her cellphone to get him off Brian. She said “I’ve got to get a bigger cellphone,” hence the use of the line in the film, which the filmmakers felt was representative of the heroics of ordinary people. (Source)
Are you a fan of Dagon? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter @josh_millican.
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