Watch Frogs - Casting

Frogs is a 1972 horror movie directed by George McCowan. The film is set in a remote island mansion, where a wealthy industrialist, Jason Crockett, and his family have gathered for the celebration of his birthday. However, nature has other plans, as several environmental disasters, such as pollution and pesticide contamination, have led to an uprising of the local wildlife, including snakes, lizards, and most notably, frogs.

The movie opens with a panoramic shot of the island's luscious vegetation and the nearby swamp, where a ticking time bomb is about to go off. As the camera moves closer, we see hundreds of dead animals floating in the murky water, a sign of the imminent ecological disaster. The next scene shows the arrival of Pickett Smith, a freelance photographer, who happens to stumble upon the island while on assignment. Pickett is greeted by a hostile old man, caretaker of the island's affairs, who warns him that he should leave before it's too late. Pickett, however, is determined to stay and fulfill his mission, unaware of the peril that awaits him.

As the Crockett family prepares for the birthday celebration, it becomes apparent that something is off. The animals of the island are not behaving as they should, and the family starts to witness strange happenings around the house. Lizards crawling inside the food, snakes slithering in the bathtub, and frogs piling up in the living room are just some of the creepy events that guarantee a spine-chilling experience. As the family tries to ignore the obvious signs of danger, they are shocked to find out that they are not alone on the island. Pickett has not left, and he's not the only guest they didn't invite.

The storyline of Frogs is not only about the clash between man and nature but also about the dynamics of a dysfunctional family. Jason Crockett, the patriarch of the family, is a ruthless businessman who rules his family with an iron fist. He is oblivious to the suffering of the island's ecosystem and sees it as a minor inconvenience. His wayward son, Clint, is an alcoholic, who resents his father's authority and escapes his responsibilities by drinking himself to death. Karen Crockett, Jason's daughter-in-law, is an environmentalist, who tries to make her father-in-law see reason, but he won't listen. Jenny Crockett, Jason's granddaughter, is the only innocent person in the family, a child who loves nature and is horrified by what she sees.

The casting of Frogs is one of its strong suits. The cast includes the legendary Ray Milland as Jason Crockett, which adds a layer of class to the movie. Sam Elliott, who plays Pickett Smith, is a cowboy type with rugged good looks, who delivers an unforgettable performance as the outsider who tries to solve the mystery behind the island's strange phenomena. Joan Van Ark, who plays Karen Crockett, is convincing in her role as the woman who fights for what she believes in, despite being surrounded by apathy and hostility. All the actors deliver stellar performances, considering the limits of dialogue and the restricted nature of their roles.

The cinematography of Frogs is another highlight. The movie manages to create an eerie atmosphere by using dramatic camera angles and unusual lighting. The shots of the swamp and the surrounding woods convey a sense of danger, and the close-ups of the animals are chilling. The use of silence and natural sounds, like the croaking of the frogs, add to the movie's suspense, and the music score by Les Baxter is fittingly haunting.

Another standout feature of Frogs is its message. The movie is a cautionary tale about the consequences of environmental degradation and man's disregard for nature. The idea that the animals rebel against their human oppressors is not just a trope of horror movies but also a metaphor for the repercussions of man-made disasters. The movie was released during the height of the environmental movement, and its message still resonates today.

In conclusion, Frogs is a classic horror movie that deserves recognition. Its combination of horror, family drama, and environmentalism is a unique blend that delivers a powerful message. The movie's cast, cinematography, and soundtrack are all major components of its success. Frogs is not just a horror movie about killer animals, but also a relevant and timely warning about the devastating effects of pollution and human greed.