Martin (1977)

A young man, who believes himself to be a vampire, goes to live with his elderly and hostile cousin in a small Pennsylvania town where he tries to redeem his blood-craving urges.

Director:

George A. Romero

Writer:

George A. Romero

Stars:

John Amplas, Lincoln Maazel, Christine Forrest

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Amplas	...	Martin
Lincoln Maazel	...	Cuda
Christine Forrest	...	Christina
Elyane Nadeau	...	Mrs. Santini
Tom Savini	...	Arthur
Sara Venable	...	Housewife Victim
Francine Middleton	...	Train Victim (as Fran Middleton)
Roger Caine	...	Lewis (as Al Levitsky)
George A. Romero	...	Father Howard
James Roy	...	Deacon
J. Clifford Forrest Jr.	...	Father Zulemas
Robert Ogden	...	Businessman
Donaldo Soviero	...	Priest (segment "Flashback")
Donna Siegel	...	Woman (as Donna Siegal)
Albert J. Schmaus	...	Family

Storyline

George Romero does for vampires what he has already done to zombies - an intense and realistic treatment that follows the exploits of Martin, who claims to be 84 years old, and who certainly drinks human blood. The boy arrives in Pittsburgh to stay with his cousin, who promises to save Martin's soul and destroy him once he is finished, but Martin's loneliness finds other means of release.

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Plot Keywords:

vampire | cult film | teenage vampire | low budget film | family curse | 

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Taglines:

He could be the boy next door...

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Genres:

Drama | Horror

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Among the scenes said to have been included in the lost 160 minute version of the film was a conversation between Martin and the man in the restroom stall at the train station, more dialog from Cuda about the vampire lore, and a scene of Martin and Arthur talking at work.

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Goofs

At the beginning of the film, Martin breaks into a woman's train cabin and attacks her. At first, she has a cold cream mask on. During the struggle, it suddenly disappears without a trace.

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Quotes

Train Victim: Freak, rapist asshole!

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Alternate Versions

European version was rescored by Italian rock group Goblin.

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Connections

Featured in Tales from the Darkside: The Movie (1990)

User Reviews

Unflinchingly original.

Between seminal 'zombie' flicks "Night of the Living Dead", and the follow-up, "Dawn of the Dead", George A. Romero created two of the most overlooked horror movies, not only of the 1970's, but maybe of all time. Four years after the socio-political horror of "The Crazies", he returned with "Martin", a vampire film like no other before or since.

Romero's intelligent movie turns on its head all the things associated with the genre, and presents us with a modern day story of addiction, sexuality, and obsession. Martin is your average gawky teenager, a little boy lost in a chaotic world, with an insatiable appetite for human blood. But, where previously that vampiric bloodlust is a sign of great sexual prowess, and overpowering self-importance, here it is a curse. Martin's world is one of unfulfilled desire and confusion. He is ostracised from family, with few friends - his only confidante is the faceless radio talkshow host - and our sympathies are with him throughout. His attacks are fuelled not by pleasure, but more by a fruitless search for intimacy with his victims, who aren't picked off indiscriminately by uncontrollable urges, but rather chosen. When he finally finds 'the sex thing', his need for blood is overcome. Although gruesome and calculated, his attacks aren't excessively violent, and the opening scene is perfectly written to repulse and reprieve in equal measure. What initially appears to be a brutal rape, is twisted by Romero into an almost tender love scene between attacker and victim.

With brilliant use of locations, and nondescript atmosphere, "Martin" is a horror movie that both disturbs and intrigues. The performances are erratic, and Maazel is way too OTT, spouting "Nosferatu!!" all histrionics and melodrama. But Amplas, as Martin, is genuinely affecting, and steeped in pathos. Unflinchingly original, a horror movie with gore, but plenty of brains to go with it.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 July 1978 (France)

Also Known As:

George A. Romero's Martin

Filming Locations:

Pennsylvania, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$80,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Laurel Productions, Braddock Associates

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1