The next hailed master of cult cinema the Film Masters are looking at is Bert I. Gordon, and to decide on which movie of his to remaster must have been tough. What’s examined is Tormented, a fairly standard ghost story. Although this filmmaker is best known for The Food of the Gods and other giant monster movies, which is better examined in this home video release’s bonus material, I thought what’s offered here is fitting enough to introduce newcomers to who this person is, and why he’s important.
This film was released back when ghost stories were making a comeback to cinema, and Robert Wise’s The Haunting helped motivate him, I suspect he read a certain story, namely the Tell Tale Heart, to help him know how to direct this work.
Much like these other films, there’s something from the past that the protagonist isn’t fully aware of. Some may feel haunted by it, but others hope it remains buried. However, just like that E.A. Poe story, there are things that only Tom Stewart (Richard Carlson) can see, and those images won’t go away! He lives on an island with a small community who seems to know everything and everyone. Although they’re not wise he had another girlfriend from a while back, they’ll soon find out!
I’m surprised nobody noticed that night when he and Vi had a row atop a lighthouse. It’s not as secluded as some may think. I believe somebody would’ve seen their fight, much less see how she’d fall off the rails (literally). But when he doesn’t even try to save her, his actions should be reviled.
Days later, he acts like nothing has happened, and is getting ready for the coming nuptials. However, the spirit of the deceased is determined to do everything she can to prevent it from happening, and that’s when the fun begins! Unlike other narratives which present the ghost as a veritable force of nature to contend with, just how it’s represented here is more often than not a manifestation of Tom’s anxiety.
The concept works, and perhaps that’s why this production is being offered for a new generation to enjoy. I like this release more for the bonus material than the motion picture. While this screenplay is a fitting example of the type of ghost movies the indie world likes to produce, for it to be just as good as later innovations and interpretations requires suspension of belief. Also, it’s tough to measure up to Wise’s film. As a B-movie seen at the drive-in, I’m sure it offered some gentle frights, but these days, it would take a lot more to scare.
3 Stars out of 5
Tormented Movie Trailer
