Welcome back to the Video Vault, where we unearth the true gems of horror cinema! This week, we're dusting off a film that truly lives up to its name in the most delightful way possible: Peter Jackson's 1987 indie splatterfest, "Bad Taste." Oh, what a film indeed! It's a proper indie B-movie mash-up, a genuine cult classic, and a testament to what sheer passion and a whole lot of creative gore can achieve. This is the kind of film that burrows into your brain and stays there, often with a mischievous grin.
The Ultimate DIY Masterpiece
The legend of "Bad Taste" begins with its almost mythical production. Shot over four painstaking years, primarily on weekends (because its cast and crew, including the director, all had day jobs!), it began with an initial budget of a mere $25,000. This wasn't just low-budget filmmaking; it was the ultimate DIY passion project. Peter Jackson, in his feature film debut, wore almost every hat imaginable: he wrote, directed, produced, photographed, and even starred in multiple roles. The film’s famously outrageous special effects, including the alien heads and guts, were literally concocted in his mother’s oven and created from junk meat from local butchers. Armed with a 25-year-old 16mm Bolex camera and an army of dedicated friends, Jackson proved that ambition and ingenuity can overcome any financial hurdle, birthing a film that looks utterly unique.
The Paved Path: Peter Jackson's Launchpad
"Bad Taste" didn't just cement its place in cult cinema history; it was the definitive launchpad for Peter Jackson's monumental career. This audacious, low-budget sci-fi horror comedy opened at the Cannes Film Festival and quickly sold to twelve countries, earning Jackson the affectionate (and accurate) nickname, "The Sultan of Splatter." From this visceral, homemade beginning, he would go on to craft other genre-defying works like "Meet the Feebles" and the hyper-gory "Braindead" (or "Dead Alive" as it was known in some territories).
It's here, in the wake of Bad Taste's raw, hands-on brilliance, that Jackson's ambitions truly began to intersect with what would become a global effects powerhouse. While Bad Taste largely relied on Jackson and his friends' incredible DIY ingenuity, the foundations of Weta Workshop (the practical effects and prop design studio) were actually laid in 1987 by Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger. Jackson's first official collaboration with Taylor's team came with Meet the Feebles, leading to a long and incredibly fruitful partnership. This collaboration ultimately culminated in the co-founding of Weta Digital in 1993 (by Jackson, Taylor, and editor Jamie Selkirk), specifically to create the groundbreaking CGI for his next film, Heavenly Creatures. So, while Bad Taste proved Jackson's singular vision, it was the stepping stone that showed the industry what he was capable of, leading directly to the formation of the companies that would bring Middle-earth, and countless other fantastical worlds, to life.
The Unforgettable Cast: Where Are They Now?
One of the charming aspects of "Bad Taste" is its cast, largely comprised of Jackson's friends and colleagues who dedicated years of their lives to this bizarre passion project. Beyond Jackson himself, who famously played both the head-splitting Derek and the alien Robert, here's a glimpse at where some of the other memorable faces ended up:
Pete O'Herne (Barry): O'Herne tragically passed away in 2010 at the age of 49. While he held onto the belief that "Bad Taste" would be his big break, he unfortunately struggled financially in later life. Peter Jackson did offer him a role in "Braindead," but O'Herne was unable to make it to the shoot.
Craig Smith (Giles): Smith now reportedly works in the health industry in Qatar. He famously had a "religious awakening" midway through the four-year shoot and temporarily walked off set, but thankfully returned to complete his iconic role.
Terry Potter (Ozzy) and Mike Minett (Frank): These integral cast members, alongside Peter Jackson, formed the core of the Alien Detection and Investigation Service (AIDS) team, battling the extraterrestrial invaders with hilariously over-the-top practical effects. They, like many others involved, contributed their time and effort out of sheer camaraderie and belief in Jackson's vision.
Ken Hammon (3rd Class Alien, co-writer): A friend and collaborator, Hammon remained in touch with Jackson for some years after and even appeared as an extra in some of his later films, a testament to the loyalty forged on this unique set.
Their dedication through years of weekend shoots, for little to no pay, is a testament to the magic of independent filmmaking and the allure of Peter Jackson's early vision.
Alien Invasion, Gore, and Glorious B-Movie Charm
At its core, "Bad Taste" is a wildly entertaining sci-fi action comedy horror film about aliens invading the fictional New Zealand village of Kaihoro to harvest humans for their intergalactic fast-food franchise. It's truly a "proper indie B-movie mash-up" because it embraces its absurdity and low-tech charm with open arms. From the rubbery alien costumes to the geysers of fake blood, every frame oozes a delightful, unpretentious energy. The combat is chaotic, the humor is dark, and the sheer inventiveness of the alien designs and their messy demise is a joy to behold. It's gross, it's silly, and it’s undeniably brilliant in its execution of its simple, outlandish premise. This film is the essence of a cult classic – a movie that might not be for everyone, but for those who get it, it's a treasure.
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