A Bucket of Blood (1959)
Written by: DMG
Edited By: Grave Reviews Staff
Film Information
Director: Roger Corman
Producer: Roger Corman
Writer: Charles B. Griffith
Date Released: October 21, 1959
Cast:
Dick Miller as Walter Paisley
Barboura Morris as Carla
Antony Carbone as Leonard de Santis
Julian Burton as Maxwell H. Brock
Ed Nelson as Art Lacroix
John Brinkley as Will
Et. al.
Rating = 3.5/5 Graves
***May contain some spoilers***
Synopsis
Walter hopes to be an aspiring artist and sculptor who works at a “beatnik” bar and art gallery. However, his desire to become a respected sculptor turns into a frenzy of murders.
Gore Factor
As expected for a 1959 film, there is no blood or gore but only suggestions of murder. However, what is surprising is how vivid the film makes thought of these murders despite having no visual illustration. For example, in one scene, a man falls victim when Walter places his head on a platform where an electric spiral saw decapitates him. As stated above, this scene does not show the actual act happening but the message is certainly received.
The Grave Review
A Bucket of Blood is a film which can be easily overlooked but offers a great deal of entertainment and meaning. The plot and length of this film, although simple and short, creates an idea that someone will go to great lengths to be appreciated and receive some attention.
However, the real gem of this film comes from actor, Dick Miller, who plays the main character, Walter. Miller’s role as Walter is able to receive the audience’s sympathy. Walter, who is possibly mentally challenged or autistic in some ways does not seem to understand his actions. He is merely trying to accomplish his artwork through any means necessary and realizes that these actions only give him the attention and appreciation he so desires. Miller accomplishes all this in his performance of Walter and deserves praise from the Grave Team.
In addition, as mentioned in the gore factor section, it should be noted that some of the scenes are conceptually disturbing for a 1950s film. Oddly, towards the end of the film, when Walter begins hearing voices from the people he murdered, the film ends with a strange “do not commit murder” message.
The one negative that I would point out is that some of the characters could have been further developed. Although this aspect is only a slight observation. As a whole, if you enjoy older films, this may be on you might want to check out.
For the foregoing reasons, Grave Reviews gives A Bucket of Blood (1959) three and a half graves out of five graves.
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