The Lair of the White Worm

1988 Directed by Ken Russell

Halloween Marathon Day 13 Film 19

Ken Russell depicts religiosity with a wry British humor. An archaeologist - played by a young Dr Who - Peter Capaldi- uncovers bones from a giant serpent like creature. Hugh Grant is an estate owner from a long line of Brits that have fought against a local Legend of a White Serpent-- hosting extravagant parties in remembrance of that history- complete with pickled worms for hor d’oeuvres. The style here is like an an older gothic horror film, setting up the dark landscape of England. One night a mysterious woman takes stewardship of a nearby manor- Temple House. Amanda Donohoe as Lady Sylvia Marsh is exquisite in her role here- dancing as a slippery tongue serpentine cultist who tries to hypnotize each character to be a sacrifice to the true old serpent god Dionin.

Russel jolts the film with spliced images of a psychedelic Jesus being wrapped up by the serpent from original sin while nuns are raped by the Romans. These disturbing images are the more gory and weird aspects of the film- being so absurd in their vision that they become farcical. It's these moments where the movie really starts to show its B-movie flavor and push into garishness- even an amped up silly version of the scenes from "The Devils." This presents religious iconography as a farce too- returning back to serpent iconography in British history and pagan temples being built upon by Christians.

Hugh Grant is a good foil to be the typical British gentleman while the other actors can ham it up with their performances, with the overly dramatic film score playing into the odd surreal visions. Lady Sylvia Marsh being subdued by any sort of music is played up too- with traditional belly dancing and snake charming music replaced with bagpipes and harmonicas. The means to sacrifice is also equally ridiculous- full of silly phallic weaponized strap-ons to bleed virgins for the great serpent Dionin. This is contrasted to an impotent Christ with a collection of virgin nun-brides. It is a bit convoluted with plot holes and dragged pacing to the finale as well, but generally quirky and silly enough to keep watching the strange happenings.