Warner Archives have done stellar work presenting their horror classics on Blu-ray for genre fans. The restorations all look absolutely fabulous and 'The Mask of Fu Manchu' is no exception. This recent release really showcases that 'Fu Manchu' as a film that is perversely wonderful to look at. Whatever appreciation one gets out of 'Fu Manchu' now is from it's wicked visuals and Karloff. The elephant in the room must be addressed. Warner put a very tasteful and honest trigger warning on the film about the harmful racial stereotypes in it. It almost isn't enough. 'The Mask of Fu Manchu' is probably the most racist film I've ever seen. I found myself being disgusted with it. Reviewing it is a challenge. I love Karloff, I love MGM and MGM Horror in particular. When dissected down to set pieces 'The Mask of Fu Manchu' is highly entertaining. When it stops to try to have any sort of plot it becomes silly even for the time and doubles down on xenophobia to try and titillate the audience and add stakes to the story.
The real star of the film is MGM and Cedric Gibbons. MGM had the resources to provide the best of the best and that is seen on the screen here. Gibbons sets are probably the best of the precode horror era. They are massive in size and scope. The temple and bell set piece could have never been done at Universal. There's a grime to the world too. The racism isn't the only thing making you feel dirty.
Karloff is not subtle here. The role doesn't play to his strengths either. Karloff is at his best when there is a quiet calm behind his fury. Fu Manchu is loud on page one and progresses into hysteria to cap off the mad finale. He is chewing the scenery to a degree that he never did ever again. I can't say that I think his performance is "good" because so much of the dialogue is about 'wiping out the white race'. Try as you might you can't remove the venom in these lines. Karloff shows he is an intelligent actor because he plays up the ridiculous writing. I think in the right frame of mind you can have fun because ultimately I think Karloff playing Fu Manchu as the cartoon character he so obviously is was the smart decision. Viewing it as Karloff's flamboyant opus is the only way to stomach the worst of it.
I don't think anyone can complain about Warner "cancelling" anything anymore. 'The Mask of Fu Manchu' is here for those niche collectors who want it. Horror films have always been fascinated about being "othered" and 'The Mask of Fu Manchu' used that concept irresponsibly. It's a testament to Karloff and MGM that this film hasn't gone away when frankly it probably should have.
The real star of the film is MGM and Cedric Gibbons. MGM had the resources to provide the best of the best and that is seen on the screen here. Gibbons sets are probably the best of the precode horror era. They are massive in size and scope. The temple and bell set piece could have never been done at Universal. There's a grime to the world too. The racism isn't the only thing making you feel dirty.
Karloff is not subtle here. The role doesn't play to his strengths either. Karloff is at his best when there is a quiet calm behind his fury. Fu Manchu is loud on page one and progresses into hysteria to cap off the mad finale. He is chewing the scenery to a degree that he never did ever again. I can't say that I think his performance is "good" because so much of the dialogue is about 'wiping out the white race'. Try as you might you can't remove the venom in these lines. Karloff shows he is an intelligent actor because he plays up the ridiculous writing. I think in the right frame of mind you can have fun because ultimately I think Karloff playing Fu Manchu as the cartoon character he so obviously is was the smart decision. Viewing it as Karloff's flamboyant opus is the only way to stomach the worst of it.
I don't think anyone can complain about Warner "cancelling" anything anymore. 'The Mask of Fu Manchu' is here for those niche collectors who want it. Horror films have always been fascinated about being "othered" and 'The Mask of Fu Manchu' used that concept irresponsibly. It's a testament to Karloff and MGM that this film hasn't gone away when frankly it probably should have.
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