Watch Lovecraft: Fear of the Unknown

Lovecraft: Fear of the Unknown is a 2008 documentary film that takes a deep dive into the life and works of 20th-century horror writer H.P. Lovecraft. The movie examines Lovecraft's influence on modern horror and media, his literary legacy, and his often troubled personal life. Narrated by actor Robin Atkin Downes, the film features interviews with numerous horror and fantasy writers, scholars, and fans, such as Neil Gaiman, Ramsey Campbell, Peter Straub, and Guillermo del Toro. Through their insights and commentary, viewers gain a deeper understanding of Lovecraft's themes and his unique brand of cosmic horror.

The film starts with an overview of Lovecraft's life and career, including his upbringing in Providence, Rhode Island, his struggles with poverty and mental illness, and his literary output. Despite his initial lack of success, Lovecraft went on to produce stories that have since become classics of horror literature, including "The Call of Cthulhu," "The Shadow over Innsmouth," and "At the Mountains of Madness."

The movie then explores Lovecraft's impact on popular culture, from his early influence on the pulp magazines of the 1920s and 1930s to his later influence on films, music, and video games. Interviews with artists and creators across various mediums, including del Toro, help to illustrate how Lovecraft's storytelling style has been adapted and expanded upon over the decades.

One of the key aspects of Lovecraft's work that the documentary examines is his recurring theme of cosmic horror. Lovecraft often wrote about beings and entities from beyond human understanding that threaten to destroy humanity's sense of place in the universe. Scholars and fans alike discuss how this idea of cosmic horror has resonated with readers and viewers throughout the years, and how Lovecraft's work has influenced subsequent horror writers.

Another important topic covered in the film is Lovecraft's complicated personal life. As an extremely private and reclusive figure, Lovecraft had few close relationships during his lifetime. However, his views on race and society have been a subject of much debate and criticism. The movie delves into Lovecraft's racist and xenophobic attitudes, which are reflected in some of his stories, as well as his later attempts to distance himself from these views.

Overall, Lovecraft: Fear of the Unknown is a fascinating and comprehensive look at one of the most influential horror writers of the 20th century. It provides a thorough overview of Lovecraft's life, work, and legacy, and features insightful commentary from numerous experts in the horror and fantasy community. For fans of Lovecraft's work and horror enthusiasts in general, this documentary is a must-see.