Lucky McKee’s film has finally been freed from the vaults and makes it onto DVD. Any film that takes place at an all girls’ school and involves witches can’t help but be compared to Suspiria, but McKee has fashioned an enjoyable film that need not have been hidden away.
In 1965, Alice (Emma Campbell) and Joe (Bruce Campbell) Fasulo have brought their troubled daughter Heather (Agnes Bruckner) to the Falburn Academy. The academy is an all girls school that is isolated in the forest. The school is run by Miss Traverse (Patricia Clarkson). Heather finds that she fits into Falburn as well as she’s fit in elsewhere, not very good. She does make a friend in the shy Marcy (Lauren Birkell) and a new enemy in the bossy Clara (Ivana Shein).
The school does appear strange to Heather and Miss Traverse seems to be testing her in some odd ways. There’s a local legend about three girls that appeared out of the forest and killed the headmistress. There’s also a student who attempted suicide who is returned to the Academy only to disappear in the middle of the night. Soon Heather is noticing strange things and finds that something is lurking in the woods (voiced by Angela Bettis) and has plans for her.
The Woods is a film that was the victim of studio politics. The film was produced by MGM/United Artists, but was victim of the sale of the company and found itself tucked away in the vaults. It now makes it to DVD courtesy of Sony Pictures. I can’t help but compare the finished project to Argento’s Suspiria since they share the similar setting of a girl’s school that has a sinister secret.
The Woods have plans for Heather
Though the movie does not reach the heights of Argento, it does provide an interesting companion piece to it. I should say upfront that the film was not shelved because it’s bad. It was the victim of being orphaned by the sale of MGM and I found myself enjoying the film.
However, there are some warnings. First, if you see Bruce Campbell at the top of the video box and are expecting him to play a big part in the proceedings – you’ll be disappointed. He spends the beginning of the film in silence and lets his bossy wife do all the talking. He only returns with some lines at the end of the film and does channel a little Ash a smidge, but just a smidge. Even though I’ve set it up (sorry), don’t try and compare it too closely to Suspiria - since the film will not reach those lofty heights.
On the good side of things, the cast does an admirable job. Patricia Clarkson deserves credit for under-playing her role and providing a subtle villainy where others might’ve chewed the scenery or gone over the top. The students also play well and kudos to Agnes Bruckner for giving a fine performance.
Where the DVD disappoints is in the special features department. There were rumors of a director’s commentary, etc. but alas it was not meant to be.
The Woods is presented in anamorphic widescreen (2.35:1) enhanced for 16x9 televisions and fullscreen versions. When you hit the play button, you’re asked which version you want to view. Special features are pretty much nil, only consisting of trailers (but not one for the Woods). This is extremely disappointing considering the history of the production.
Patricia Clarkson gives a fine, understated performance
The Woods is a good film and it’s nice to finally have a chance to view it. Though it does not reach the lofty heights of May, I did enjoy it better than McKee’s Masters of Horror contribution. If you enjoy McKee’s work then you should at least give this “lost” work a rental.
The Woods is now available at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
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