Ed Wood October 10, 1924 – December 10, 1978

Okay so I may be a few days late but the important thing is I semi-remembered to write a post commemorating the death of kitsch director Ed Wood. Made famous by Tim Burton’s 1994 biopic of the same name, Ed Wood is widely regarded as the best worst director of all time. Follow me? Basically the concepts of his movies were a tad outrageous considering the time they were made in and are still ridiculous even by today’s standards. For example he wrote a film about a newlywed who was struggling to come to the terms with the fact she was a gorilla in her past life. His writing aside, Wood is better known as a director for such dud-licious classics like Glen or Glenda, Plan 9 from Outer Space, Night of the Ghouls, Bride of the Monster and The Young Marrieds. I mean, how can you not love a director who mid-scene will cut to a shot of a fan simply because he needed a cut away? Hilarious. Born on October 10 1924, Wood passed on December 10 1978 and has left behind legions of fiercely dedicated fans. For example, the University of Southern California holds a yearly `Ed Wood Film Festival’ where students are challenged to form teams to write, film and edit an Ed Wood-inspired short film based on a preassigned theme. A reverend in California created a legally recognised religion with Wood as its official saviour. The Church of Ed Wood has over 3,500 legally baptised followers called Woodites and who celebrate Woodmas on October 10, his birthday (like Christmas). However, cult status and daggy awesomeness aside, Wood’s work is surrealist brilliance which has lived on long after he has passed- for good reason. My favourite Ed Wood quote is as follows:

“If you want to know me, see Glen of Glenda. That’s me, that’s my story, no question. But Plan 9 is my pride and joy. We used Cadillac hubcups for flying saucers in that.”

Empire Online are running a very fitting Ed Wood tribute which you can visit here: http://www.empireonline.com.au/news/story.asp?NID=1000003722