Weirdhouse Cinema: Messiah of Evil
Summary
In this episode of Weird House Cinema, hosts Rob Lamb and Joe McCormick analyze the cult classic horror film Messiah of Evil, a surreal 1973 movie by Gloria Katz and Willard Huyck. They discuss the film’s dreamlike atmosphere, its Lovecraftian influences, and its unique setting in mundane 1970s California locations. The conversation also covers the filmmakers’ early careers, their connection to George Lucas, and their uncredited script work on Star Wars.
Topics discussed
Sponsorship and show introduction
Introduction to Messiah of Evil and its cult status
Plot overview: Arletti's arrival and the Bohemian trio
Debate on whether the townspeople are zombies
Film influences and comparisons to other horror movies
The dreamlike, meandering quality of the film
Visual style: 1971 California and the gas station
Elevator pitches and the mundane horror setting
Sponsorship segments for YouTube, Out of Character, and Devil's Quarry
Willard Hike's career and the Howard the Duck connection
Hike and Katz's collaboration and meeting at UCLA
Production history and the unfinished ending
Speculation on the intended climax and missing scenes
Family involvement and the Star Wars script doctoring
Creative influences: Lovecraft and the San Fernando Valley
Sponsorship segments and cast background: Joan Mosin
Art direction and the lead actress's performance
Michael Greer's performance and the Messiah figure
Laura's character and the father's voiceover
Supporting cast: Elisha Cook Jr. and the Albino Trucker
The electronic synth score
Sponsorship segments for YouTube, Out of Character, and Devil's Quarry
The opening scene and the gas station as a cosmic object
The gas station encounter and the albino trucker's fate
Interior design and the father's house decor
The tale of the Dark Stranger and Elisha Cook Jr.
Sponsorship segments and Laura's departure
The albino trucker's return and the Ralphs grocery store
The movie theater scene and dreamlike logic
The climax, the ending, and final thoughts
Credits and final sponsorships
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