When his genius son (Ross Martin) is killed in a tragic accident, brain surgeon William Spensser (Otto Kruger) steals his brain.
Believing it would be a waste to humanity if such a mind was lost, he preserves his son’s brain in a metal-encased automaton.
This radical experiment is a success, but as his son gains more control over his new form, he begins to lose a grip on the thing his father prized most…
Generally when a film is obscure, it does not bode well.
A Cold War-era variation on the Frankenstein story, Colossus is a quietly disturbing piece of body horror.
The premise played totally straight, and the emphasis is on how the central character’s new state is torturous. When he comes to life, it is with a distorted, mechanised scream.
The creature design is wonderfully creepy - a carved blank face with glowing eyes.
The sound design also helps to create that sense of exertion - every time the title character moves, it is accompanied by sounds of electrical discharge. Everything about the colossus feels like it requires effort or pain.
I only found out about it about two years ago on Wikipedia. A quick check of the trailer increased my curiosity. At 70 mins, it plays like a short story, a moral fable about the dangers of eugenics.
The piano score by Van Cleave is unique and adds a haunting, discordant vibe to the piece.
Recommended.
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