I have always loved insects in horror films. I suppose they could be classed as monsters, especially when in unusually large numbers or of inconveniently enlarged proportions.
A particular fave are ants in films. I don't think there are many in this formic sub-genre but it does include some insect action streets ahead of other Hollywood invertebrates.
The first ants I recall on the big screen were the giants which terrorised poor desert townsfolk in THEM! No, this isn't Sir Van the Man Morrison's original band [which was incidentally named after the film], its a pincer-clicking slice of Fifties schlock, when the threat of radiation and irradiated behemoths were but a cup of tea away from genteel society, who always seemed to live next to a desert. THEM! was released in 1954 and was the first real giant bug flick and a true schlockbuster.
The next ants to get my antennae twirling were seen in THE NAKED JUNGLE also released in 1954, where an army of the angry blighters storm a plantation in Brazil. I recall how as a kid I was appalled by the robotic and inhuman nature of the insects as they swarmed over everything in their way including people.
The next true ant film I saw was quite recently, but one I've been aware of for years: PHASE IV [or Phase Four] from 1974. A much more cerebral affair, rather than Fifties' gigantism, Phase IV is imbued with the early Seventies paranoia about computers, machines and human subordination.
It explores the terrible beauty of the collective ants' hive mind and its potential to control homo sapiens. Its a truly psychedelic and uncomfortable affair but a rewarding film to watch. Its also set in a desert.
It explores the terrible beauty of the collective ants' hive mind and its potential to control homo sapiens. Its a truly psychedelic and uncomfortable affair but a rewarding film to watch. Its also set in a desert.
The only other Ant based pop culture I have come across is ANTS, a horror paperback I once read on holiday, when all I need are pulps, paella and plenty of peace. ANTS was published in 1979 and written by erstwhile shockter Peter Tremayne.
I know there are many more parts of the ant colony, which I've just not explored. Have you seen any other ant films or got any ant culture merch or toys treaders?
I wonder if movies like the ones you've mentioned above, provided the initial inspiration behind the choice of stage name for Adam and the Ants? What about their 1980 hit, Antmusic? I'd imagine there could've been some pop cultural rationale behind their link to Ants? I wonder if it was influenced by these films. Or possibly it was just a cool sounding commercial name? Sorry Woodsy, more questions than answers :)
ReplyDeleteDon't forget Empire of the Ants from 1977 and starring Joan Collins!!!
ReplyDeleteEmpire of the Ants is amazingly and brilliantly bad. I could watch it until the Ants came home...
ReplyDeleteDoes TV count? The only Wonder Woman episode with a meta-human that I recall was entitled 'Formicida' about a nerdy female scientist who gained the power to control Ants, wear slinky cat-suits and grow her boobs a couple of sizes. One of the better of the ABC episodes in my opinion : )
ReplyDeleteWhat about the often over looked 'Phase IV' with Nigel Davenport ?
ReplyDeleteYep, talk about that one in the post. Superb film. Made by ants themselves....almost. Perhaps the scariest of all ant flicks?
DeleteThe 'Black Scorpion' has some nice bug fx too! I especially like the canyon scene in Jacksons 'King Kong'
ReplyDeleteCan't stand to watch that scene in King Kong. Far too many large bugs crawling over one guy! Yuk! Black Scorpion is now on my list to re-watch!
DeleteTop 5 Sci-Fi Movies With Ants
ReplyDeletehttp://www.scifimoviepage.com/blog/movies/top-5-sci-fi-movies-with-ants/
Cheers
Ervino