Introduction Little Shop of Horrors
"LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS" is a 1986 American musical comedy horror film directed by Frank Oz, based on the 1960 Off-Broadway stage play of the same name by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. The story takes place in Skid Row, Los Angeles, where Seymour Krelboyne runs a small flower shop called Mushnik's with his boss, Mr. Mushnik. The film is set in 1984, during the early days of punk rock and New Wave music, which adds to its quirky and offbeat atmosphere. Seymour, played by Rick Moranis, dreams of creating the perfect plant that will make his flower shop a success, but little does he know that this plan will have disastrous consequences. The movie is full of dark humor, witty one-liners, and catchy musical numbers, making it a cult classic among fans of both comedy and horror. With its unique blend of genres, "Little Shop of Horrors" has become an enduring favorite among audiences and continues to be celebrated for its originality and charm.
Plot and Themes Little Shop of Horrors
"Little Shop of Horrors" is a 1986 American musical comedy film directed by Frank Oz. The story follows Seymour Krelboyne (Rick Moranis), an awkward and shy florist who discovers a mysterious plant with extraordinary abilities to grow at an alarming rate. The movie begins with Seymour's dreams of opening his own flower shop, which he achieves after finding the plant in a strange shop called Mushnik's Skid Row Florists. The plant, named Audrey II (after Seymour's crush on Audrey), becomes a sensation due to its ability to eat anything and grow rapidly. As Seymour nurtures Audrey II, it begins to develop sentience and demands more food to continue growing. Seymour is initially hesitant but eventually becomes dependent on the plant for his success. However, as Audrey II grows, it starts to crave human flesh, leading to a series of gruesome events. Throughout the movie, themes such as obsession, ambition, and the consequences of playing God are explored. Seymour's desire for fame and acceptance drives him to exploit Audrey II's abilities, while Audrey (Ellen Greene) struggles with her own insecurities and becomes trapped in a toxic relationship. The film also critiques societal pressures on women, as Audrey is portrayed as an objectified figure who is constantly rejected or humiliated by the men around her. Meanwhile, Seymour's naivety about the plant's intentions highlights his lack of understanding regarding responsibility and consequences. Ultimately, "Little Shop of Horrors" presents a darkly comedic commentary on human nature and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The film's blend of humor, music, and horror elements makes it a cult classic that continues to entertain audiences today.
Performance and Direction Little Shop of Horrors
The 1986 musical comedy horror film 'Little Shop of Horrors' is a cult classic that has stood the test of time. Here's an evaluation of its performances and direction: **Acting Performances:** 1. Steve Martin - Seymour Krelboyne: Martin's performance as the lovable, awkward, and eccentric florist is exceptional. His singing voice is impressive, and he brings a lot of humor to the role. 2. Ellen Greene - Audrey: Greene's portrayal of the sweet and charming Audrey is delightful. Her singing voice is lovely, and she has great chemistry with Martin. 3. Rick Moranis - Orin Scrivello, D.D.S.: Moranis's performance as the sadistic dentist is hilarious. His comedic timing and impressions are spot on. 4. Vincent Gardenia - Mr. Mushnik: Gardenia brings a lot of heart to his role as Seymour's boss and mentor. He has great chemistry with Martin and adds depth to the story. 5. Levi Stubbs - Audrey II: The voice acting by Levi Stubbs, the lead singer of The Four Tops, is impressive. His deep, soulful voice adds menace and charm to the plant. **Direction:** 1. Frank Oz - Director: Oz's direction is excellent. He brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the film, which helps make it feel like a big-budget musical. 2. Martin Scorsese - Executive Producer: Scorsese's involvement as an executive producer added credibility to the project and helped secure funding. 3. Mike Nichols - Original Broadway Production Director: The original Broadway production of 'Little Shop of Horrors' was directed by Mike Nichols, who brought a lot of creativity and flair to the show. **Choreography:** The choreography in the film is impressive, especially considering the limited budget. The dance numbers are well-executed and add energy to the performances. **Cinematography:** The cinematography by Barry Sonnenfeld is excellent. He uses a lot of creative camera angles and lighting to bring the world of the flower shop to life. **Editing:** The editing by Dick Fairbanks Jr. is good, but there are some moments where it feels like the pacing could be improved. Overall, 'Little Shop of Horrors' is a cult classic that has stood the test of time due to its talented cast, excellent direction, and memorable music. While it may not have been a commercial success at the time of its release, it has become a beloved film among fans of musical comedy horror.
Technical Aspects Little Shop of Horrors
The 1986 musical comedy-horror film "Little Shop of Horrors" directed by Frank Oz is a unique blend of dark humor, romance, and sci-fi elements. Here's a breakdown of the technical aspects that contribute to its success: Cinematography: * The film was shot using a combination of 35mm color negative stock and Eastmancolor stock. * The cinematographer, Barry Sonnenfeld, used a mix of close-ups and wide shots to create a sense of intimacy between the characters. He also employed clever camera movements to emphasize the horror elements. Sound Design: * The sound design was handled by Robert Knudson, who worked closely with Frank Oz to create a unique blend of comedy and horror. * The film's soundtrack features a mix of jazz, rock, and pop music performed by various artists, including Howard Ashman (who also wrote the lyrics) and Alan Menken. * The sound effects for the plant were created using a combination of animal sounds, musical instruments, and manipulated recordings. Visual Effects: * The visual effects in "Little Shop of Horrors" are largely practical, with many of the plant's transformations achieved through puppetry, makeup, and prosthetics. * Stan Winston, a renowned special effects artist, was responsible for creating the plant's various forms. He designed and built several different versions of the plant, each with its own unique characteristics. * The film's use of optical printing and matte painting allowed for the creation of complex backgrounds and environments without requiring elaborate sets. Other notable technical aspects: * Editing: The editor, Richard Halsey, used a non-linear narrative structure to create tension and surprise. He also employed clever cuts and transitions to enhance the comedic elements. * Makeup and Prosthetics: The makeup artist, Ve Neill, created many of the plant's forms using prosthetic pieces, wigs, and paint. She also designed and applied the makeup for the characters. * Puppetry: Jim Henson's Creature Shop was responsible for creating several puppets used in the film, including Audrey II's early stages. Overall, "Little Shop of Horrors" is a technical achievement that showcases the skills of its creators. The unique blend of practical effects, clever camera work, and effective sound design all contribute to the film's enduring popularity.
More Details Little Shop of Horrors
The 1986 film 'Little Shop of Horrors' is a musical comedy horror directed by Frank Oz and produced by Ellen Green Productions, The Geffen Company, and Warner Bros. Pictures. Cast: * Rick Moranis as Seymour Krelboyne * Steve Martin as Orin Scrivello, D.D.S. * Vincent Gardenia as Mr. Mushnik * Amy Yasbeck as Audrey * James Belushi as Patrick Martin Production Companies: - Ellen Green Productions - The Geffen Company - Warner Bros. Pictures
Conclusion Little Shop of Horrors
Here's a possible conclusion: The Little Shop of Horrors is a classic musical comedy that has stood the test of time, entertaining audiences with its quirky characters, catchy songs, and clever plot twists. The film's greatest strength lies in its ability to balance humor and horror, creating a unique blend of campy fun and eerie unease. One of the standout aspects of the film is its memorable cast of characters. Seymour Krelboyne, played by Rick Moranis, is a lovable nerd who becomes embroiled in a series of bizarre events, while Audrey II, the plant that serves as both Seymour's business partner and nemesis, is a delightfully gruesome creation. The musical numbers are also a highlight, with standout tracks like "Skid Row (Downtown)" and "Suddenly, Seymour" showcasing the talents of the film's leads. The music by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman is catchy and clever, adding to the film's overall sense of whimsy and wonder. However, there are some weaknesses to be noted. At times, the pacing can feel a bit slow, and some viewers may find the humor to be too campy or off-putting. Additionally, the character development can feel a bit shallow at times, with Seymour and Audrey feeling more like archetypes than fully fleshed-out people. Despite these flaws, however, The Little Shop of Horrors remains a beloved classic that has aged surprisingly well. Its unique blend of humor and horror continues to delight audiences, making it a must-see for fans of musical comedies and horror movies alike. And even if some viewers may find themselves rolling their eyes at times, the film's sheer audacity and creativity make it a compelling watch. In conclusion, The Little Shop of Horrors is a wonderfully weird and entertaining film that deserves its place as a cult classic. While it has its flaws, its strengths far outweigh them, making it a must-see for anyone who loves musical comedies, horror movies, or just plain old campy fun.