The loss of Karen Black certainly reminded me that the horror genre and film in general has lost yet another gem of a performer. But we are fortunate. She left behind some great performances in her time. She's the only one I liked (no, loved) in Five Easy Pieces. Nashville was a film of certain renown that gave her the clout a Children of the Corn 4 simply doesn't. But we have Trilogy of Terror, even if it isn't held as an iconic film in the same sentence as Easy Rider. It gave her a platform to work her absolute magic. I don't care that if detractors bring up the less stellar examples of a prolific career that had its share of stinkers and less-than-extraordinary fare, but it really takes just one film to remain a vital name, performances written on celluloid and stamped into the mind. In later years her characters had a tendency to be oddballs and more than a little eccentric. I loved them just the same. Like Children of the Night, a little known vampire tale that has yet to find its proper audience (too bad it remains obscure; she's a hoot in it, and it was a chance for her to "vamp") or the high-energy television producer in Cut and Run (she has little time on screen but I just remember saying, "Hey, Karen Black's in this?!?!") With horror fans like myself, we don't forget you. You provide and we appreciate. We're often tough to impress. We're a tough crowd. I recall Burnt Offerings, and how she continues, as the film continues, to grow more and more strange...she showed this emotional change, and the payoff is a full bore symbol of pure evil. The "crazy ole bat" roles were there, but in Some Guy Who Kills People she emerges with a dandy of a role as this rather cranky, cynical, tough mother trying to whip her son into shape. I appreciate the fact that as her career was coming to an unfortunate end, she had that role on the way out. But it's Trilogy of Terror that I think will stand the test of time. Nashville, Five Easy Pieces, and Easy Rider were blessed to have her in supporting parts, but in ToT, it was all Ms. Black. It remains such an enjoyable treat, and she gets to play three (some consider four) roles of differing temperament, personalities, and styles. It is such a tour-de-force that I treasure. It is quite a legacy to leave behind so few of us are fortunate to have. A gift unwrapped every time you stick in Trilogy of Terror. RIP, Ms. Black and thanks.
We won't be seeing another one of her as she was a very unique and incomparable presence in film. I also thought she was great in Children of the Night even though I'm lukewarm on the movie itself. Some other fun genre roles for her are in Overexposed, Eternal Evil, Some Guy Who Kills People and Evil Spirits. I pretty much like everything I've seen from her though some films utilize her better than others. She's also quite good in Children of the Corn IV, which I personally think is the best film in that particular series.
ReplyDeleteHer death certainly left me quite sad. We lost quite an actress when Ms. Black took her final breath.
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