Oliver Reed, a British actor known for his authoritative and sometimes menacing roles, starred in the 1961 film "Curse of the Werewolf." The movie tells the story of a young man named Leon who is cursed with lycanthropy, the ability to transform into a werewolf, due to the circumstances of his birth. Reed's portrayal of Leon is hauntingly captivating as he navigates his dual nature and the horrors that come with it. Reed's performance in "Curse of the Werewolf" is a standout in his career, showcasing his ability to embody a character tormented by his own inner demons. He brings a raw and animalistic intensity to the role, depicting the physical and emotional agony of Leon's transformation into a werewolf. Reed's towering presence and brooding demeanor help create a sense of foreboding throughout the film, heightening the suspense and horror elements.
Done! Add the broom to your front porch decor with lights, a cauldron, or a floating witch’s hat. Use it for a costume and store it to use for years to come. Happy Halloween!
Keeping the home clean was a constant chore, but also necessary, because dirt could attract rodents which could sometimes bring with them deadly diseases. It is also associated with a wedding ritual called jumping the broom that was once associated with English Gypsies, but is now most widespread amongst African Americans.
Reed's towering presence and brooding demeanor help create a sense of foreboding throughout the film, heightening the suspense and horror elements. In addition to Reed's performance, "Curse of the Werewolf" is notable for its atmospheric and Gothic visual style. The film is set in 18th-century Spain, with stark landscapes and foreboding castles serving as the backdrop for the tragic tale.
How to Make a DIY Witch’s Broom
When thinking of Halloween, a few things come to mind. Pumpkins, of course, spiderwebs, candy, and witches! Witch’s brooms are a fun and easy way to add the spooky into your Halloween decor and guess what!? They are really easy to make yourself. The even better thing, you can likely gather most of the materials from your backyard.
Materials you’ll need
- 5′ – 6′ cut or fallen branch (about an inch/inch and a half thick)
- Large bunches of tall cut grass, straw, dried weeds, and/or thin branches
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Twine
- Scissors
Cut and prepare grass and straw
Cut some of the grass, straw, and/or branches to similar lengths. How long to keep your materials is up to you and depends on how long you would like your broom to be. I used lengths of about a foot to a foot and a half.
Attach grass materials to the branch
Apply hot glue starting from about 6 inches up from the bottom of the branch, down in a zig zag motion. Press small bundles of grass into the glue (wear work gloves as hot glue can burn your skin if touched). Some pieces of grass may fall off, but that’s okay. Add a little more glue and add pieces that have fallen off.
Once you have finished one layer around the entire stick, apply another layer of grass with the hot glue and add twine to secure.
Glue another two layers of grass materials over the first two layers and the twine (or until it is full to your liking).
Add twine
Wrap twine around the top of the glued grass materials and tie it off in the back of the broom and hot glue the knot.
Add another bunch of twine about 2-3 inches below the first bunch. This is optional, but it will hold the broom together better and it looks nice.
Cut the top of the grass material
Use scissors to cut the top of the grass to all one length. This will give it a clean-cut look, but you can leave it different lengths if you would like.
Done! Add the broom to your front porch decor with lights, a cauldron, or a floating witch’s hat. Use it for a costume and store it to use for years to come. Happy Halloween!
Tips and tricks for the best witch’s broom
- Find a branch that has a bend or notches in it for more character and a creepy look.
- Think outside the brush! Dried grass and straw are the easiest for fine, but dried flowers or weeds are great additions or small branches like birch twigs or curly willow.
- Use scissors instead of garden shears to make any cuts. Garden shears can get stuck on the straw and will not cut cleanly.
- Use them to decorate outside, but be aware that rain may make them soggy, pull them in if there is a big rain storm, or put them under cover.
The cinematography and production design effectively create a dark and foreboding atmosphere, enhancing the sense of dread and unease. "Curse of the Werewolf" also explores themes of power, control, and the human capacity for good and evil. The character of Leon is initially depicted as a victim of his circumstances, cursed from birth and unable to control his transformation. However, as the story progresses, Leon's struggle with his inner wolf becomes a metaphor for the struggle between his own internal darkness and his desire to do good. Reed's performance masterfully captures this internal conflict, making Leon a sympathetic and complex character. Overall, Oliver Reed's performance in "Curse of the Werewolf" is a standout in his career, showcasing his ability to bring depth and intensity to a role. The film itself is a classic entry in the werewolf genre, combining atmospheric visuals with compelling storytelling. Reed's portrayal of Leon adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, making "Curse of the Werewolf" a must-watch for fans of horror and classic cinema..
Reviews for "The Dark Charm of Oliver Reed: Exploring His Role in Curse of the Werewolf"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I was really excited to watch "Oliver Reed Curse of the Werewolf" as I am a fan of horror movies. However, I was extremely disappointed with this film. The plot was weak and predictable, and the acting was wooden and unconvincing. The special effects were also poorly done, making the werewolf transformation scenes laughable rather than scary. Overall, it was a letdown and I wouldn't recommend it to any horror movie enthusiasts.
2. Mike - 1 star - "Oliver Reed Curse of the Werewolf" was one of the worst movies I have ever seen. The storyline was confusing and lacked coherence. The acting was melodramatic and over the top, making it hard to take the film seriously. The werewolf costume looked like something out of a low-budget Halloween party rather than a professional movie. I found myself cringing throughout the entire film and couldn't wait for it to end. Save your time and skip this one!
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Oliver Reed Curse of the Werewolf" based on the positive reviews I had read, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The pacing was slow, and the film failed to build any real suspense or tension. The characters were poorly developed, leaving me uninvested in their fates. The werewolf makeup was subpar and lacked the realism needed to make it truly terrifying. Overall, it was a forgettable and lackluster werewolf movie that failed to deliver on its potential.