Swamp Thing (1982)

Based on the DC Comics character, a quasi-mystical monster/super-hero-then elemental, this concept was taken over by Wes Craven for the movie version, throwing out the later elemental concepts. We're left with man-transformed-into-monster plot, though a monster with a gentle human heart - when he's not throwing mercs around. Ray Wise portrays the scientist before the change; Dick Durock plays the swamp creature. Adrienne Barbeau is a government agent-turned-monster's girlfriend. This works pretty well as a semi-campy adventure in the swamps. The creature looks quite campy now, but was somewhat effective back in '82. It's entertaining to watch the constant chasing & battles with the mercenaries during the first hour and Craven even throws in some dreamlike sequences with Barbeau, stuck in the middle of an unpopulated swamp with a weird creature, recalling a 'Beauty & the Beast' theme.
I also liked the master villain here, Arcane, played by Louis Jourdan, who continually emphasizes his genius and makes grandiose proclamations on the nature of power & intelligence. Jourdan's performance is unusual & affected, but hard to forget. He's that comic-book styled villain who relies on brains, something not seen very often on screen (most villains rely on brawn) and he's even the subject of a darkly-ironic comic turn near the end. Craven also makes good use of his regulars, David Hess & Nicholas Worth, as Arcane's henchmen; it's a pity nothing ever branched out for Hess, who is such a natural villain. Barbeau also seems effortless in projecting her natural charms. The ending is a bit of a letdown, but considering its low budget and limitations, this picture is much more watchable than the poor effort Man-Thing many years later in 2005. BoG's Score: 6 out of 10


Trivia from the Swamp: there was a sequel in 1989 and then a cable TV series. Dick Durock continued to play the creature.