Ed Wood Mad Genius

<p> Filmmaker Ed Wood was controversial and critically maligned even labeled the worst director of all time yet he achieved cult status and remains of great interest today. This book frames Wood's work such as the cross-dressing themed <I>Glen or Glenda?</I> and the haphazard <I>Bride of the Monster</I> as reflections of the culture of their era. Wood invariably worked with infinitesimal budgets shooting at breakneck speed incorporating plot twists that defied all logic. Yet there was a tangible if unfocused thematic thrust to Wood's films which meditate fitfully on gender religion and society revealing a holy trinity of fixations--sex death and resurrection. Wood's infamous Plan 9 From Outer Space encapsulates the fixations and flaws that were his hallmarks and with 22 other films is explored here. A filmography and 47 photographs are included.</p>