Look at that cast!
Without knowing the title, one might naturally assume it was assembled for an English art film or one of the crazy cult classics Ken Russell used to crank out. But no, 1982’s Venom is a fairly straightforward hybrid of hostage drama and killer critter flick. It’s not bad as these things go, though the eclectic cast certainly makes it worthy of attention…and maybe even a little admiration for its director, but more on that in a minute.
The bitchy beast in this case is a black mamba, “the most dangerous snake in the whole world,” according to toxicologist Dr. Marion Stowe (Sarah Miles). Due to a pet store mix-up, it goes home with Philip Hopkins, the young son of wealthy parents who happen to be out of town, leaving Philip with his grandfather, Howard (Sterling Hayden), and Louise Andrews (Susan George), their maid.
However, Louise is conspiring with hot-headed chauffeur Dave Averconnelly (Oliver Reed) and cold-blooded criminal mastermind Jacques Muller (Klaus Kinski) to kidnap Philip, take him to a remote cottage and demand a ransom. Concurrently, Dr. Stowe, who was supposed to receive the mamba in the first place, traces the purchase to the Hopkins home and warns the police, who send an officer to check it out.
The kidnappers didn’t count to two things…the snake getting loose, killing Louise, and Dave shooting a police officer at the door. The house is quickly surrounded by cops, led by Commander William Bulloch (Nicol Williamson), who’s forced to negotiate with Muller for Philip’s release. Meanwhile, the stealthy snake slithers throughout the house, continuing to take a bite out of crime.
Though there are certainly moments of unintentional camp, Venom isn't quite as outrageous as the premise and cast suggest. One can’t help but expect a little scenery chewing with Reed and Kinski in the cast, and they don’t disappoint. But believe it or not, it’s Williamson who walks away with the movie. He’s highly amusing as a droll, exasperated detective who’d rather be somewhere else. Elsewhere, Hayden is decent in what would be his final film role (though he isn’t given a hell of a lot to do). Sultry Susan George checks-out too soon, but not before offering Reed a nice little striptease.
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| Once again, Klaus wrestles his demons. |
Venom is watchable, but the minor miracle is that it got completed at all. As many of the entertaining bonus features attest, the movie was a tumultuous production, largely due to the cantankerous cast, some who truly hated each other. When we see Reed & Kinski’s frequent conflicts, these guys ain’t acting. Director Piers Haggard (taking the job on short notice after notorious nutjob Kinski forced Tobe Hooper to quit) must have had the patience of Job dealing with these people. Being aware of such behind-the-scenes debacles sheds a different light on the film…and its director. Way to stick it out, Piers!
So in addition to a really great 4K restoration, Blue Underground has loaded the disc with some excellent new bonus features which extensively discuss the film’s torrid history. The supplements might even be more entertaining than the movie itself, and if one doesn’t mind spoilers, watching them first might even make Venom a lot more fun.
EXTRA KIBBLES
4K AND BLU-RAY COPIES - Both feature great picture and sound.
INTERVIEWS (Blu-ray only) - Fangs for the Memories is an interview with Venom editor/2nd unit director Michael Bradsell; A Slithery Story features make-up artist Nick Dudman; Author/critic Kim Newman, who’s always interesting, offers his thoughts in Mamba Memories; Pick Your Passion features The Dark Side magazine’s editor, Allan Bryce, who covers a lot of the same ground as Newman.
2 AUDIO COMMENTARIES - 1) By director Piers Haggard; 2) By historians Troy Howarth, Nathaniel Thimpson & Eudenio Ercolani.
TRAILERS & TV SPOTS
POSTER & STILL GALLERY (Blu-ray only)
SUPPLEMENTAL BOOKLET - Featuring photos, cast & crew credits and an essay by Michael Gingold.
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