Skip to Content
The Call of Cthulhu cover image

The Call of Cthulhu 2005

Highly Recommended

Distributed by Microcinema International/Microcinema DVD, 1636 Bush St., Suite #2, SF, CA 94109; 415-447-9750
Produced by Sean Branney and Andrew Leman
Directed by Andrew Leman
DVD, b&, 47 min.



Sr. High - Adult
Film Studies, English Literature

Date Entered: 12/04/2007

Reviewed by Debra Mandel, Head, Media Center, Northeastern University Libraries, Boston, MA

The Call of Cthulhu, is an enjoyable and short campy film of H.P. Lovecraft’s 1926 short horror story, in which the nephew of a deceased relative goes on a quest to investigate the mysteries of Chtuhlu, a mysterious extraterrestrial apocalyptic creature. Using documents bequeathed to him by his anthropologist uncle, Thurston interviews a sculptor, mingles with some anthropology scholars, and then travels to Norway to learn about a sailor’s brush with the creepy deity. We witness scenes of wild primitive chanting, a frightening monster and wild waves at sea. Finally, Thusrston goes mad and passes his research on to his psychiatrist.

Keeping faithful to the spirit of H.P. Lovecraft’s era, producers Sean Branney and Andrew Leman and their crew created an entertaining silent film, and skillfully wove together the story’s three-part narrative using a variety of sets to conjure up the sea, the swamps of Louisiana, and the city of Providence. The original soundtrack is in perfect synch with the action. Watch the humorous and informative “Behind the Scenes” track to learn about the film’s ingenious production process. It makes one appreciate how the wonderful lighting, special effects, props, costumes, make-up and titles enhances the film’s authenticity.

The Call of Cthulhu, may be popular in any public or academic library feature film collection, particularly where silent and horror films are collected or studied. There are many H.P. Lovecraft and horror enthusiasts who will certainly appreciate this film’s novelty and artistry.

Awards—Select list

  • Best Feature, Eerie Film Festival, Eerie Pennsylvania, 2006
  • Winner, Peer Choice Award: Honorable Mention, Dragon *Con Film Festival, 2006
  • Grand Prize-Best American Feature, Avignon Film Festival, 2006
  • Audience Choice Award, Another Hole in the Head, 2006
  • Winner: Best Achievement in Ghosts, Best Achievement in Apparitions and things from Hell or Another Dimension, World Horror Con, 2006
  • Best Short, HP Lovecraft Film Festival, 2005

For complete list see the film’s awards web page.