Why Bert I. Gordon said that horror was the least important element of his films
"We use pathos, love, tenderness, and imagination," said Gordon
Despite his penchant for horror films, Bert I. Gordon didn’t necessarily believe that “horror” was an apt description for his movies.
Sure, plenty of his films sent shivers down the spines of viewers. Gordon was responsible for films like The Cyclops (1957) and Empire of the Ants (1977). The gigantic creatures he depicted in many movies would haunt an audience for years to come. However, he believed that “fantasy” was a more apt descriptor for movies like these.
“We use pathos, love, tenderness, and imagination,” said Gordon during an interview with Variety. “Horror is the least important element and in most cases, in our elements at least - an element entirely lacking.”
Gordon claimed that his previous four films earned far more than it cost to make them. “Anyway you look at it,” said Gordon, “that’s healthy for the industry as a whole.”
Moreover, plenty of Gordon’s films relied on some pretty creepy, crawling antagonists. As such, the films required a great deal of special effects, which factored into the budget heavily. However, by using a bit of movie magic, Gordon was able to budget effects in films like Earth vs. the Spider (1958).
“With special effects, you can make a $150,000 picture look like $600,000,” said Gordon.
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