Ep 24. Man-Made Monsters

In episode 24 of the first season of "100 Years of Horror," entitled "Man-Made Monsters," the series delves into the fascinating history of monster movies and their evolution over the past century. From the earliest days of silent films to the modern era of CGI, "Man-Made Monsters" explores the different approaches filmmakers have taken to creating some of the most iconic creatures in horror cinema history.

The episode begins with a look at the early days of monster movies, when the focus was often on supernatural creatures like vampires and werewolves. However, as science fiction became more popular in the mid-20th century, filmmakers began to explore the idea of creating monsters through scientific means. This led to the rise of a whole new subgenre of horror films: those featuring man-made monsters.

"Man-Made Monsters" explores some of the earliest examples of this subgenre, including the 1932 film "The Island of Lost Souls," which featured a mad scientist who transforms animals into humanoid creatures. From there, the episode goes on to discuss some of the most famous and influential man-made monsters in cinema history, from Boris Karloff's iconic performance as Frankenstein's monster to the terrifying creations of H.R. Giger in the "Alien" series.

One of the key themes of "Man-Made Monsters" is the idea that science, while often seen as a force for good, can also lead to terrible consequences. This idea is explored through films like "The Fly," which tells the story of a scientist who accidentally merges his own DNA with that of a housefly, and "RoboCop," in which a police officer is brought back to life as a cyborg with disastrous results.

The episode also touches on the cultural and historical context behind some of these films, including the impact of the atomic age on the creation of giant monsters like Godzilla. In addition, "Man-Made Monsters" explores the enduring appeal of these films, even in the face of changing attitudes towards science and technology. While many of the films discussed in the episode were made decades ago, they continue to captivate audiences today, demonstrating the enduring power of the horror genre.

Overall, "Man-Made Monsters" is an engaging and insightful look at one of the most enduring subgenres in horror cinema. From the early days of silent films to the present day, the episode explores the evolution of man-made monsters and the enduring appeal of this particular brand of horror. Whether you're a long-time horror fan or a casual viewer, "Man-Made Monsters" is sure to provide plenty of food for thought.