Cast a Deadly Spell (HBO)

About Cast a Deadly Spell (HBO)

"Cast a Deadly Spell" is an HBO fantasy detective television film based on a world in 1948 that is similar to the usual film noir milieu, with one stark difference: magic is commonly practised. The film features the vivid direction of Martin Campbell and a competent cast led by Fred Ward. The film elegantly combines Lovecraft lore, film noir, and black comedy.

Fred Ward plays Harry Philip Lovecraft, a private detective who refuses to use magic at his place of work. Inevitably, Lovecraft is drawn into a web of deception, intrigue and Lovecraftian supernatural horror when he's hired by an enigmatic man to recover an ancient book purported to possess cataclysmic powers.

Making / Production

"Cast a Deadly Spell" was made by HBO primarily for television audiences, under the direction of Martin Campbell. The film shines with HBO's ambition of creating compelling content and the screenplay is commendably written by Joseph Dougherty. An outlandish world where everyone uses magic except for the protagonist lends the film a unique charm.

Actors

• Fred Ward playing as private detective Harry Philip Lovecraft. His outstanding portrayal of a man who disdainfully disregards magic makes for a riveting watch.
• Julianne Moore as Connie Stone, an ex-flame of Lovecraft. Her performance adds depth and intrigue to the plot.
• David Warner in the role of Amos Hackshaw. He plays a rich man who's after the dangerous magical book, bringing a sense of menace and mystery to the story.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is notable for incorporating elements of H.P. Lovecraft's mythos, such as the Necronomicon and otherworldly creatures.
• A sequel to the movie, titled "Witch Hunt," was released in 1994, with Dennis Hopper playing the role of Lovecraft.

Quotes

• "People use magic for everything. But not me. It’s not that I can't, I choose not to."

Music, Soundtrack