Suicide is painless: The Legacy of 'Robot Monster' and 'Plan 9'
It's more or less a well known fact that Phil Tucker attempted suicide the year "Robot Monster" was released. Hollywood legend states he was so dismayed by the dismal reviews for the film that he wanted to die. Had his attempt been successful it would be a horrible tragedy but since he survived and went on to have a happy life (he became a competent editor) it's kind of funny in a dark twisted sort of way. I mean did he think he was making a grand cinematic masterpiece???
Sadly Ed Wood's life didn't go as well. He ended up writing porn books and drunk himself into an early grave.
Yet the irony is many decent directors (even some gifted ones) are (and will be) forgotten over time yet Phil Tucker and Ed Wood will be always be remembered in the annals of cinematic history. As long as there are offbeat film buffs who seek the unique, the offbeat and the downright bizarre then there will be people watching "Robot Monster" and "Plan 9 From Outer Space". In my book infamy beats the hell out of obscurity and I have no doubt that these masters of disasters will live-on forever. After all who needs to drop acid when you can just punch in one of these on DVD and revel in their insanity?
Sure they're considered "the worst films ever made" but I'd watch “Robot Monster” and “Plan 9” over the latest Brett Ratner or Micheal Bay flick any day of the week.
So to the spirits of Phil Tucker and Ed Wood. Thank you and may you live on with us forever!
-J.M.Yoda AKA Rob Kowal