While I enjoyed Mystery of the Wax Museum, I have to agree with most audiences that 1953's House of Wax is the best iteration of the story, trading fast-talkin' reporter detective stuff with more lurid and violent horror. Hey, it made a horror star out of Vincent Price, so we owe it no little measure of respect! It tickles me that House of Wax is a big 3D spectacular when the eponymous museum showcases "three-dimensional tableaux", and give or take a couple of moments, the 3D-ness isn't too gimmicky. Price's wax sculptor is shown to be benignly mad even before everything goes up in flames, and remains a tragic figure even once he goes on his killing spree. He's helped by a young Charles Bronson as a mute Igor type (called Igor, which is also a reference to the original film's villain), unlikely as it may seem today. There's some silly humor, tense nail-biting scenes, spooky dummies lurking or melting, and a great performance by Price (of course). While the original was a good mystery, as its title suggested, this second remake's focus is squarely on thrills and chills, and it's a lot of fun as a result.
Now that I've watched the 2005 movie I like this one even more (Even when I already enjoyed it at first).
The best part of it is of course Vincent Prince, and not only his acting, but also the character. You really feel sorry for him and that is the greatest achievement of this film.
One of my favorite Vincent Prince movies and definitely worth watching.
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Comments 1 - 6 of 6
neocowboy
Um...question. How is it the deaf man knows to duck and hide after standing on a creaking floorboard?Thanks Nuked. Constructive comment as always.
Siskoid
While I enjoyed Mystery of the Wax Museum, I have to agree with most audiences that 1953's House of Wax is the best iteration of the story, trading fast-talkin' reporter detective stuff with more lurid and violent horror. Hey, it made a horror star out of Vincent Price, so we owe it no little measure of respect! It tickles me that House of Wax is a big 3D spectacular when the eponymous museum showcases "three-dimensional tableaux", and give or take a couple of moments, the 3D-ness isn't too gimmicky. Price's wax sculptor is shown to be benignly mad even before everything goes up in flames, and remains a tragic figure even once he goes on his killing spree. He's helped by a young Charles Bronson as a mute Igor type (called Igor, which is also a reference to the original film's villain), unlikely as it may seem today. There's some silly humor, tense nail-biting scenes, spooky dummies lurking or melting, and a great performance by Price (of course). While the original was a good mystery, as its title suggested, this second remake's focus is squarely on thrills and chills, and it's a lot of fun as a result.Emiam
7/10Better than the 2005 remake with Paris Hilton!
senorroboto
a very belated response, but you can generally feel the vibration of a creaky floorboard as it gives
Shidan
Now that I've watched the 2005 movie I like this one even more (Even when I already enjoyed it at first).The best part of it is of course Vincent Prince, and not only his acting, but also the character. You really feel sorry for him and that is the greatest achievement of this film.
One of my favorite Vincent Prince movies and definitely worth watching.
Nuked
It said so in the script. It's a movie.