Plan 9 from Outer Space: The Undisputed Masterpiece of Trash Cinema

"Plan 9 from Outer Space" by Ed Wood is the ultimate cult classic, adored and derided in equal measure. Find out what makes this film a must-watch. 

The Unexpected Movie

Wondering if it's worth spending 79 minutes of your life on "Plan 9 from Outer Space"? The answer is a resounding yes. Sure, you could spend that time doing something more productive, like watching paint dry, but you'd miss out on a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience. Ed Wood, the legendary director behind this 1959 masterpiece, created a film that transcends mediocrity to become an icon of trash cinema. With homemade special effects, wooden acting, and a gloriously chaotic plot, "Plan 9" is the perfect example of how not to make a film... and that's precisely why it's unmissable. This film is as criticized as it is loved, becoming a cult phenomenon thanks to its blend of wild ambition and technical incompetence. Yet, there’s a sincerity in Wood's approach that makes "Plan 9" a fascinating and unique cinematic experience.

The Genius of Disaster 

The genius of "Plan 9 from Outer Space" lies in its unparalleled ability to entertain despite, or perhaps because of, its glaring flaws. Imagine scenes where flying saucers are clearly paper plates suspended by strings, or dialogue moments where actors seem more worried about remembering their lines than delivering them. Ed Wood shot most of the film on a shoestring budget, using whatever he could get his hands on, including old footage of Bela Lugosi, the legendary Dracula actor, who died during filming. Replacing Lugosi with a chiropractor who covers his face with a cape is just one of the many surreal touches that make "Plan 9" a must-see to believe. The plot unfolds through a series of absurd and incoherent events, involving clumsy aliens, improbable zombies, and downright bizarre dialogue. It's all sprinkled with amateur special effects and a direction that "disastrous" barely begins to describe. Yet, despite (or because of) all these imperfections, "Plan 9 from Outer Space" manages to capture attention and entertain in a unique way.

A Whirlwind of Sci-Fi and Horror

Without giving too much away, the plot of "Plan 9 from Outer Space" is a whirlwind of sci-fi and horror ideas thrown together in a disorderly but fascinating mix. The film starts with UFO sightings over Hollywood and a series of bizarre events, including the resurrection of the dead. The aliens, worried that humans are about to discover a devastating substance called solaronite, implement their "Plan 9" to prevent cosmic catastrophe. With characters like pilot Jeff Trent, played by Gregory Walcott, and Bela Lugosi's sinister Ghoul Man, the plot develops as chaotically as it is captivating. The narrative is a pastiche of genres: a bit of gothic horror, a bit of '50s sci-fi, with a dash of thriller and a critique of the nuclear arms race. The story is so intricate and full of improbable twists that you can’t help but stay glued to the screen, trying to figure out what the next absurdity will be. 

A Fascinating Disaster

From a cinephile's perspective, "Plan 9 from Outer Space" is a technical disaster. The cinematography is shaky, the costumes look like they came from a thrift store, and the set design is so flimsy it seems it might collapse at any moment. Yet, there’s a sincerity in Ed Wood's approach that makes it fascinating. The film is a product of its time, a veiled critique of the nuclear arms race, and an attempt to create something epic with minimal resources. The narrative is riddled with logical holes and embarrassing moments, but it’s this combination of ambition and incompetence that makes it unique. The characters are grotesque caricatures, the direction is haphazard, and the special effects are laughable, yet the film has a soul, a genuine passion that shines through in every frame. It’s this passion that has made "Plan 9" loved and remembered despite (or because of) its enormous technical and artistic shortcomings.