David J. Skal

Directing

David J. Skal

Born June 21, 1952 · Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Died January 1, 2024 · aged 71

David John Skal was an American cultural historian, critic, writer, and on-camera commentator known for his research and analysis of horror films and horror literature.

Known For

Monster by Moonlight! The Immortal Saga of 'The Wolf Man'Monster by Moonlight! The Immortal Saga of 'The Wolf Man' · 1999
Monster by Moonlight! The Immortal Saga of 'The Wolf Man'
★ 7.21999
MovieDocumentary
Starting with "The Wolf Man" (in 1941), Universal Studios made five movies featuring The Wolf Man, a character portrayed by Lon Chaney, Jr. Monster by Moonlight! explores these movies. Rick Baker explains how the make-up was done on Chaney's character. Screenwriter Curtis Siodmak took very little from earlier werewolf legends, providing his own story for some of the films. This documentary displays clips from several other movies, including "Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein" (1948) and "House of Dracula" (1945).
The World of Gods and Monsters: A Journey with James WhaleThe World of Gods and Monsters: A Journey with James Whale · 1999
The World of Gods and Monsters: A Journey with James Whale
★ 6.51999
MovieDocumentary
Written, co-produced and co-directed by David J. Skal, THE WORLD OF GODS AND MONSTERS is a behind-the scenes chronicle of the making of the 1998 Academy Award-winning film GODS AND MONSTERS starring Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser and Lynn Redgrave. Narrated by author/ filmmaker Clive Barker, the documentary interweaves the life and career of James Whale, director of the original FRANKENSTEIN, with the making of the acclaimed biopic. Interviewees include writer/director Bill Condon (Oscar winner for best adapted screenplay), Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser, Lynn Redgrave, and Christopher Bram, author of the novel FATHER OF FRANKENSTEIN, on which the film was based.
The 'Frankenstein' Files: How Hollywood Made a MonsterThe 'Frankenstein' Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster · 1999
The 'Frankenstein' Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster
★ 7.71999
MovieDocumentary
The history of Frankenstein's journey from novel to stage to screen to icon.
Back to the Black Lagoon: A Creature ChronicleBack to the Black Lagoon: A Creature Chronicle · 2000
Back to the Black Lagoon: A Creature Chronicle
★ 7.62000
MovieDocumentary
Documentary about the making of and legacy of The Creature from the Black Lagoon included in The Legacy Collection box set.
Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition UnearthedMummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed · 2000
Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed
★ 7.02000
MovieDocumentary
Documentary featured on the Classic Monster Collection and Monster Legacy Collection for The Mummy (1932).
The Road to 'Dracula'The Road to 'Dracula' · 1999
The Road to 'Dracula'
★ 7.51999
MovieDocumentary
A documentary from Universal about the movie "Dracula" (1931) starring Bela Lugosi.
She's Alive! Creating 'The Bride of Frankenstein'She's Alive! Creating 'The Bride of Frankenstein' · 1999
She's Alive! Creating 'The Bride of Frankenstein'
★ 7.81999
MovieDocumentary
Documentary about the making of 1935's "The Bride of Frankenstein."
Now You See Him: 'The Invisible Man' Revealed!Now You See Him: 'The Invisible Man' Revealed! · 2000
Now You See Him: 'The Invisible Man' Revealed!
★ 6.42000
MovieDocumentary
A documentary from Universal about the movie "The Invisible Man" (1933) directed by James Whale.

Filmography

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The World of Gods and Monsters: A Journey with James WhaleThe World of Gods and Monsters: A Journey with James Whale · 1999
The World of Gods and Monsters: A Journey with James Whale
★ 6.51999
MovieDocumentary
Written, co-produced and co-directed by David J. Skal, THE WORLD OF GODS AND MONSTERS is a behind-the scenes chronicle of the making of the 1998 Academy Award-winning film GODS AND MONSTERS starring Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser and Lynn Redgrave. Narrated by author/ filmmaker Clive Barker, the documentary interweaves the life and career of James Whale, director of the original FRANKENSTEIN, with the making of the acclaimed biopic. Interviewees include writer/director Bill Condon (Oscar winner for best adapted screenplay), Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser, Lynn Redgrave, and Christopher Bram, author of the novel FATHER OF FRANKENSTEIN, on which the film was based.

Director

The Universe According to UniversalThe Universe According to Universal · 2002
The Universe According to Universal
★ 5.72002
MovieDocumentaryScience Fiction
Narrator Rudy Behlmer guides a look through Universal's place in film history as a source of alien visitation, extraterrestrial life, and other Science Fiction staples. The piece further looks at the political and social implications, parallels, and escapism in the movie. The piece spends much of its screen time on how 'It Came From Outer Space' echoed and influenced the genre, its legacy, performances, adherence to Ray Bradbury's source material, 3D photography and presentation, score and effects, and more. This is a quality piece that informs and entertains alike, one that fascinatingly examines the film, and others like it, as both entertainment and echoes of real life.

Director