Ed Wood (1994)

(On TV, August 2002) Interesting film that transcends its geeky origins to become a triumphant document on a pathetic filmmaker. Though the historical accuracy of the film can be taken apart with some elementary research (the screenplay mostly telescopes longer periods in shorter amounts of time and conveniently forgets a few intervening events.), it’s hard to dislike the sympathetic portrait of an anti-genius like Wood. What separates the film from a simple funny biography is the haunting (Oscar-winning) performance of Martin Landau as the dying Bela Lugosi. Acting credits are excellent throughout the picture, with a bunch of known names here and there. (Particular props to Johnny Depp as Wood, though I was oddly reminded of Steve Buscemi at times) Don’t miss the delightful opening credit sequence. This is an essential film for cheap-SF geeks, and a worthwhile one for everyone else.