Reptilicus (EOTWS)

End Of The Week Shorts #54 extract: Reptilicus (1961)

Denmark built a cinema of global significance around 1910, but, after WWI, it lost stature. Following the transition into the sound era Danish cinema diminished further, noted only by a select few names: Dreyer, von Trier, Refn etc. Since the 30s, Danish cinema travelled best through its auteurs whilst national film production gave way to comedies and a heap of erotic films. In addition to this Denmark has, apparently, only ever produced one monster movie, and this is it. 

If we were to be honest, this is less a Danish film and more an excuse for an American crew to take a holiday - at least, this is what you sense in the American version. (In the Danish version, maybe more emphasis is put on highlighting military strength). Alas, the creation of a film of any worth isn't too high on anyone's list here. Rife with cliches, poor writing, terrible special effects and bad performances, this is fleetingly an interesting look at film history. That's all.