Exploring the Adapatation of Lovecraft's Horror: A Review of 'Dagon'

Lovecraftian horror has always been a challenging genre to adapt into films, given its cosmic, existential, and ancient themes. Recently, Stuart Gordon's Dagon (1981) has garnered attention for its intriguing take on H.P. Lovecraft's works. The film is an adaptation of two stories set by the sea: Dagon and The Shadow over Innsmouth. In this review, we will delve into its strengths, its shortcomings, and whether it stands up to the high standards of Lovecraftian horror.

The Plight of Lovecraft and Movies

Adapting H.P. Lovecraft's works is not an easy task. Lovecraft's creations often deal with ancient cosmic horrors, existential dread, and a indifferent universe. Capturing these elements in a visual format is daunting. Dagon attempts to blend stories from Lovecraft's corpus, but does it succeed in delivering an authentic Lovecraftian experience?

A Mix of Stories

Dagon is a mosaic of tales rather than a straightforward adaptation of a single Lovecraftian story. The film presents a series of vignettes, some of which are closer to Lovecraft's original works and others that diverge significantly. The adaptation is not a traditional horror film in the Lovecraftian sense, featuring a few names and locations associated with the author, but the cinematic portrayal is anything but standard.

The Critique and the Atmosphere

For fans of Lovecraft, the film might come as a letdown. While it does capture the haunting atmosphere of the two sea-side stories, the execution is more along the lines of a standard horror movie. The emotional and cerebral aspects that make Lovecraft's works unique are overshadowed by typical horror clichés. The violent ending is predictable and fails to instill the depth of terror that Lovecraft's tales often provide.

Among the most praised moments is the sequence where the townfolk are corrupted by a 'cargo' cult. This scene perfectly embodies the Lovecraftian essence, where humanity's downfall is not due to the omnipotence of the gods but to its own susceptibility and corruption.

The Interpretation of Lovecraftian Horror

The interpretation of what constitutes 'Lovecraftian horror' can vary widely. Some critics argue that any adaptation that captures the essence of an alien, uncaring universe should be considered Lovecraftian, while others draw a more specific line. Gordon's Reanimator is often cited as one of the best Lovecraftian films, but Dagon aims for a more cerebral and cosmic terror. While the film may not deliver the cerebral terror required by some critics, it certainly provides a visceral experience.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Dagon is a complex adaptation that caters to different tastes. For those looking for a horror film that pushes the boundaries of the genre and is faithful to the cosmic themes, Dagon delivers. However, for purists and those seeking the more detailed and intricate horrors that Lovecraft's works provide, the film might not suffice. The ending, too, leaves a sour taste, given the protagonist's actions are more aligned with romanticised concepts rather than the stark realities of Lovecraft's narratives.