![]() ![]() ![]() There are plenty of films which are far less enjoyable to watch than Manos. Almost every aspect of the film is done poorly, yet as odd as it sounds, the movie generates a charming and enjoyable little atmosphere it simply does not feel like the worst one out there. As stated earlier, I cannot place this film on a scale of one to ten, yet I can argue that this is a false statement. Well, this is widely considered to be the downright worst of the worst the bottom of the bottom. Interestingly enough, it could vaguely be seen as a blundering, early version of 'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre' (not to say that Tobe Hooper drew any influence from ''Manos': The Hands of Fate'). It is a plot with great potential that was realized by Warren at the time it would have been quite fresh. One thing however, which is not widely criticized by viewers is the plot. The editing seemed to have been done with haste and is one of the key factors which seems to have earned this film its reputation. The cinematography is certainly not note-worthy, nor is the lighting. No matter how much one hates this film, they will always remember the timid and tormented Torgo, uttering his infamous line: "The Master would not approve." The music featured in the film is quite repetitive and amateur, although at times it does add to the feel, aid the pacing, and promote the overall camp-factor of the film (which was sometimes delightful). Reynolds' portrayal of Torgo is supreme although having no professional training or profession acting experience in cinema he creates a one of-a-kind character, which has been quite unparalleled in cult-cinema. The acting for the most part is quite dismal, the only exception being a wonderful character conceived by Warren named Torgo. Warren was a director with literally no experience or conceived directorial abilities he had no knowledge of pacing or camera work (if he had any it was most likely limited to home videos). ![]() To say that this hurt the film would be an untrue, if anything it helped the pacing of this little low-budget flick. Supposedly the film was shot entirely on one camera which was only capable of shooting 60 seconds of film at a time. Soon strange happenings begin around this lodge of sins, as Michael and his family's fate is determined by "the hands of fate" To be blunt, the film is simply quite technically limited. As Michael and his wife Margaret observe the strangeness of the portrait and their surroundings, a strange howl is heard from outside in the desert. As the visitors enter the lodge they are welcomed by a mantel full of strange hand-like pagan icons and sculptures, accompanied by a strange portrait of presumably The Master and his hound. Seeing as it is getting late, the visitors ask about staying the night only to be deterred by Torgo's ominous words "The master would not approve." After some pressure from the family, Torgo folds and allows the newcomers to stay. After a great deal of aimless meandering throughout the backwoods of El Paso, the vacationers come across a mysterious Lodge run by an awkward and deformed Satyr named Torgo (John Reynolds). They eventually turn onto a long dirt road marked by a sign promising a "Valley Lodge". Surely enough, the travelers are soon found lost on the way to their vacation site. The family consists of little Debbie (Jackey Neyman), Margaret (Diane Mahree), and Mike (played by our very own Hal P. Warren's film opens on a vacationing family traveling through El Paso, Texas. The film leaves a quaint, surreal, and indecisive effect upon the viewer which is what leads to the formulation of this strange conclusion. ''Manos': The Hands of Fate' may very well be, one of the only films of which classification is painstakingly difficult to near-impossible. Warren's original, cut-and-dry, El Paso-born version of the film. Let it be clear that this review does not pertain to the Mystery Science Theater 3000 version of the film rather it applies to Hal P. Well, after reading quite a few extremely hyped reviews and discussions throughout the internet, I decided to try my luck and buy the alleged worst film of all time: ''Manos': The Hands of Fate'. At times I will come to this very website and submit a rating of the given film or perhaps I will turn to a friend and give my thoughts of the film (which tend to be quite clear). When I watch a film for the first time it is generally quite easy for me to establish an initial opinion of the film at hand. ![]()
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