Famous Monsters sat down recently to speak with director James Watkins about his influences and experiences while making THE WOMAN IN BLACK, the new feature produced by historically lauded Hammer Films, which opens today.

Since being re-acquisitioned in 2008, Hammer has produced a handful of independent movies (such as LET ME IN, the American remake of LET THE RIGHT ONE IN), but perhaps nothing so media-worthy as THE WOMAN IN BLACK—thanks in no small degree to the film’s star, Daniel Radcliffe, of HARRY POTTER fame.

Watkins had nothing but positive things to say about Radcliffe in our interview. “I thought that Dan played his role very well. He’s got a certain vulnerability about him that I thought would really speak to the character,” said Watkins, who was casual, well-spoken, and obviously very proud of the Hammer-worthy atmosphere and characterization in his film.

Don’t miss our full interview as featured in Famous Monsters Issue 260, which hits newsstands this week—and be sure to check out J. Astro’s full review of the film here.

THE HAMMER VAULT

by Marcus Hearn
Titan Books

Review by Elvis Kunesh 

If you’re looking for a great book to go with your blood-stained coffee table, have we got the recommendation for you. From publisher Titan Books we bring you THE HAMMER VAULT – an immense tome bursting with illustrious artifacts and elaborate stories behind the creation of every single entry in the HAMMER film library.

Each enormous two-page spread spotlights a single film. Author Marcus Hearn says something unique about the background of each film, and what it meant for the over-all big picture, charting Hammer’s roller coaster history all the way up to present day. Every movie is featured with an alluring array of concept art, poster work, annotated script pages, props, promotional material, exclusive set photos and private messages written between production heads; each accompanied with a detailed caption provided further insight to the film. The imagery is as diverse as the Hammer film library, showcasing the horrific and lecherous charm the company is known for.

My personal favorite section was the five pages devoted to a number of unmade Hammer films which included concepts for VAMPIRELLA, a comic-style adventure focused on the titular and titillating heroine; NESSIE, a Loch Ness Monster rampage film with special effects handled by Kaiju-wrangler studio Toho; and a high-flying stop-motion monster epic that might qualify for the greatest movie title ever… ZEPPELIN VS. PTERODACTYLS.

Starring Samuel L. Jackson

THE HAMMER VAULT is as captivating as it is visually striking. I couldn’t help but pour over every line, finding myself fascinated to know the specifics of each HAMMER production and its place in cinematic history– and this is coming from someone who has seen a stark few Hammer films. This book goes beyond being a collectible for fans and manages to be a solid, devilishly good read for any horror buff or cinephile. Go and get yourself a copy right away!

THE WOMAN IN BLACK opens on February 3rd.

Previous WOMAN IN BLACK coverage

THE WOMAN IN BLACK stars Daniel Radcliffe as a lawyer making his way to a village that turns out to be inhabited by more than local flesh and blood. The film is directed by James (EDEN LAKE) Watkins, and also stars Ciaran (THERE WILL BE BLOOD) Hinds, Janet McTeer, Roger (V FOR VENDETTA) Allum, and Sophie (THE DARK) Stuckey.

Take a look at our previous coverage, including trailers, posters, and more.

StudioCanal has already been hard at work on bringing a few Hammer classics up to spec, starting with 1958′s QUATERMASS AND THE PIT (currently available). StudioCanal has their second effort, DRACULA PRINCE OF DARKNESS (’66) set to hit the home market on March 5. Regarding this release, Hammer comments, “DRACULA PRINCE OF DARKNESS, restored at Pinewood from a two-perf original cut negative, scanned at 4k and restored in 2k. DRACULA PRINCE OF DARKNESS will be presented in all its Techniscope glory, in the original aspect ratio of 2.35:1.” The disc will include a new documentary featuring interviews with Barbara Shelley, Francis Matthews, Mark Gatiss, Jonathan Rigby and others.

Also on StudioCanal’s plate is the dastardly duo of two more from 1966 in THE PLAGUE OF THE ZOMBIES and THE REPILE. In addition to all of that, keep your eyes peeled for the definitive version of Terence Fisher’s 1958 masterstroke DRACULA, which will include newly discovered footage originally cut from the British version, restored courtesy of The National Film Center at The Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. The Japanese footage reportedly features an extended and gruesome death scene for Drac, as well as an extra erotic moment that shocked censors upon initial release.

More as these releases continue rolling out!

The latest clip lends a preview of the moody tension to come, as Radcliffe’s “Arthur Kipps” finds he is not alone in the bedroom.

Take a look at our previous coverage, including trailers, posters, and more.

THE WOMAN IN BLACK lands on February 3rd from Hammer Films, and stars Daniel Radcliffe as a lawyer making his way to a village that turns out to be inhabited by more than local flesh and blood. The picture also stars Ciaran (THERE WILL BE BLOOD) Hinds, Janet McTeer, Roger (V FOR VENDETTA) Allum, and Sophie (THE DARK) Stuckey.

Take a look at stills and trailers we have shared, and check out the new poster below.

Image: Hammer Films