Not Your Average Schlockmeister

If one were to envision the generation of filmmakers who came of age in the 1970s as a dysfunctional family, then according to most critics director John Landis would be the idiot stepchild. The dark shadow cast by the Twilight Zone tragedy didn't permanently derail his career, but evidence of bad judgment on set and a crew deeply immersed in Hollywood's destructive drug culture, certainly tarnished his once shining potential. An avowed fan of the sillier approach to physical comedy, Landis has never courted the critics. As a result, despite being responsible for some of the most popular comedies of all-time he is now largely a forgotten relic of the blockbuster era he helped to perpetuate. He is also, like his friend and fellow filmmaker Joe Dante, an heralded comic craftsman, one who can utilize large-scale action for its thrilling and as well as side-splitting effect. At present however he remains in "movie jail", a term he coined himself to describe the misfortune of middle aged directors who are deemed too high a budgetary risk for the major studios. Instead he works on off-beat projects including documentaries and cable television, while receiving numerous film festival retrospectives around the world. Perhaps by revisiting his oeuvre on DVD, his "jailors" would see fit to grant him a much deserved parole.

Schlock (1971)

An inauspicious beginning to his career found Landis writing, directing, producing and starring in this ultra-low budget comedy featuring the young filmmaker in an ape suit designed by budding make-up whiz Rick Baker. The title refers to the "missing link" creature embodied by Landis, but it also clearly reflects the quality of the naive subject matter, a series of blackout style comedy sketches variously inspired by the comedy of Abbott and Costello, Warner Bros. cartoons, and poverty row genre films of the 1950s. This film also marked the beginning of his trademark use of in-jokes, including the mysterious appearance of the phrase "See You Next Wednesday", and the casting of well-known film industry personnel in cameo roles. The spiffy looking DVD has been altered by Landis from its original version to correct some nagging flaws and sports an enthusiastic audio commentary from the always boisterous director, in conversation with his close friend and frequent collaborator Rick Baker.

The Blues Brothers (1980)

After having directed the hit National Lampoon's Animal House, a film whose slob comedy stylings fit more neatly into the career of its producer Ivan Reitman, Landis took a monumental risk with this musical comedy. It was developed from the popular Saturday Night Live sketch that starred comic hurricane John Belushi and frequent partner Dan Aykroyd as a pair of cool black-suited blues musicians "on a mission from God". It also marked the rise of Landis' personal film-making style, featuring his exhilarating blend of music and choreography that would become a hallmark of his later work. Having began his career as a stuntman, Landis also lets loose with a progression of astounding vehicular gags that are hilariously juxtaposed with the dead-panning of his sunglass-wearing stars. Constructed like a nutty modern myth, and featuring timeless performances from musical giants like Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Cab Calloway, the film was clearly ahead of its time, evidenced by the poor response it received during its original run. Universally hailed as a classic ever since,the film remains a one-of-a-kind entertainment, a fact underlined by the high profile failure of the Landis-directed sequel made nearly two decades later. The DVD includes the original and extended cuts of the film, each enjoying a significant cult following.

An American Werewolf in London (1981)

A personal project written by Landis when he was only 19, it was inspired by local culture he observed as a production assistant in Yugoslavia during the filming of Kelly's Heroes. Unanimously cited for its seminal Oscar winning make-up effects by Rick Baker, it was also groundbreaking for its liberal doses of humour carefully blended into the pure horror of the story. Up until that time, Hollywood preferred its horror films to be either funny or frightening, Landis proved they could be both with successful results. In addition , the film features the first attempt by Landis to explore genuine adult passions. This new maturity would continue to express itself in his work, as the always present physical action becomes more seamlessly integrated into the emotional journey of the characters. Here it is expressed at the finale, when horrifying death and destruction is followed by the most heartbreaking scene in his entire body of work. The special edition DVD is a superb package of enlightening interviews about the production and behind-the-scenes details of its arduous special effects.

Trading Places (1983)

Originally conceived as a vehicle for Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder, this emblematic Eighties comedy about greed and race, was the unqualified hit that finally confirmed Landis knew how to garner big box office as well as big laughs and scares. Aided immeasurably by the lightning hot comic energy of a young Eddie Murphy, the film is a carefully crafted mix of classic Hollywood role-reversal comedy, with contemporary sprinklings of vulgarity. As with most of his previous films, Landis exhibits an unerring eye for the casting of actors at the beginning or turning points in their careers. Co-stars Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis and veteran Don Ameche all went on to renewed success due to the tenacity of the director and the resulting popularity of the film. Murphy would re-unite with Landis twice more with dwindling results but the freshness of this first teaming still resonates as strongly as ever. The recent special edition DVD includes new and vintage footage that serves to remind older viewers of Murphy's compellingly raw talent before the complacency of super stardom crept into his performances.

Into the Night (1985)

Made during the stress of the Twilight Zone trial, and fueled by the blues guitar of B.B. King, Landis fashioned his own poisoned pen valentine to the Los Angeles that has been both his friend and enemy. Once again Landis has assembled a peerless cast with a luminously youthful Michelle Pfeiffer as a jewel smuggler rescued from Arab hitmen by zonked-out insomniac Jeff Goldblum. It is also Landis' most idiosyncratic work, deftly mixing nail-biting suspense, shocking violence, broad slapstick and even some moments of surprising tenderness into a uniquely potent cocktail. A nocturnal journey into the dark heart of a city, it evokes the barren dreamlike netherworld of L.A. in the hours after midnight with a skill that still impresses. A film buff's delight as well, with a myriad of cameos from famous directors, screenwriters and even a puppeteer or two. The DVD also contains an award-winning short film about B.B. King that was used to promote the film, while honouring this musical legend.

For the last two decades the films of John Landis mostly fall into two categories. Star vehicles such as Spies Like Us, Three Amigos, and Coming To America. Or sequels and other attempts to recapture past glories such as Beverly Hill Cop III, Blues Brothers 2000 and Innocent Blood. All of these are eminently watchable, some like Innocent Blood come close to capturing the old magic but the youth-obsessed American film industry has deprived us, the audience, of any new feature films from Landis. However through the magic of DVD we can still marvel at those of his that still entertain us from the past.