Watch The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies

The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies is a 1964 film that's often cited as a cult classic, appreciated by connoisseurs of camp and B-movie enthusiasts for its schlocky charm and idiosyncratic creativity. Directed by Ray Dennis Steckler, who also stars under the pseudonym Cash Flagg, the film is an offbeat amalgamation of horror, musical, and carnival freak-show motifs that has etched its place in the annuls of cinema as one of the most peculiarly titled movies of all time.

The film is set against the backdrop of a carnival, which serves as the perfect hunting ground for its colorful array of characters to interact and divulge in their own personal dramas. Steckler's protagonist, Jerry, is a rebellious and somewhat aimless young man prone to fits of jealousy and rage. His character arcs through the fairgrounds of life alongside his girlfriend Angela and best friend Harold. The trio encounters a series of odd, eclectic individuals as they meander through the carnival, but their lives take an unexpected turn upon meeting Madame Estrella, played by Brett O'Hara.

Madame Estrella is a fortune teller with a sinister secret. With her thick accent and enigmatic presence, she adds a layer of exotic mystique to the proceedings. Alongside her is her brother Ortega, portrayed by Atlas King, who assists her in villainous undertakings. The duo operates a dark attraction within the carnival, one that is far from being a simple spectacle for the amusement of its patrons.

The movie's title foreshadows the grotesque transformations that some of the characters undergo as the plot unfolds. Although the details of their metamorphoses are withheld here to avoid spoilers, it's no secret that the film ventures into the realms of the undead. However, the zombie aspects of the film are a unique breed, setting them apart from the traditional flesh-eating creatures that audiences had been accustomed to in horror cinema up until that point.

True to its eclectic nature, The Incredibly Strange Creatures sports musical numbers that punctuate the narrative with song and dance. These sequences offer a jarring yet entertaining contrast to the darker, horror-centric themes that underpin the story. From stage acts featuring shimmery costumes and energetic choreography to more somber, reflective tunes, the film embraces its variety-show aesthetic with unapologetic gusto.

The cinematography and aesthetic choices reflect the budget constraints typical of exploitation films from the 1960s. Despite its limited resources, the film makes creative use of camera angles, lighting, and practical effects to establish an atmosphere that oscillates between carnivalesque and nightmarish, sometimes within the same scene. The settings are saturated with rich, vivid colors that bring to life the kinetic energy of the carnival, while darker sequences play heavily on shadow and light to elicit a sense of foreboding.

Undoubtedly a product of its time, the film's dialogue and plot execution often carry a campy and melodramatic edge, which modern audiences may find either endearing or difficult to take seriously. However, this melodrama serves as an essential ingredient in the film's overall charm and contributes to its status as a kitsch masterpiece within certain circles. The performances, like the movie itself, are a mixed bag, ranging from earnest to over-the-top, yet they all contribute to the fabric of this surreal narrative experience.

The editing and sound design merit mention, as they add another layer of psychedelic oddity to the picture. Quick cuts, odd transitions, and evolving soundscapes play with the viewer's perception, often aligning with the disjointed, dream-like quality that the film embodies. The soundtrack, as well as the musical numbers, reinforce the mood swings of the movie, memorable in their own quirky way.

From a broader perspective, The Incredibly Strange Creatures often appears in discussions about the evolution of indie filmmaking and the exploitation genre. Its avant-garde approach to storytelling and blending of genres invites analysis from a historical standpoint, exemplifying how filmmakers outside the mainstream were innovating and experimenting with form and content.

In sum, The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies is an oddity of a film that must be approached with an open mind and a taste for the outré. Its cult status is earned through its daring blend of horror, song, and black comedy, amounting to a cinematic experience that's as bewildering as it is unique. Fans of off-kilter cinema and midnight movies might find it a fascinating artifact that exemplifies the far reaches of genre filmmaking.

The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies is a 1963 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 2.3.