MovieChat Forums > Xtro (1983) Discussion > Thank you all from Harry Bromley-Davenpo...

Thank you all from Harry Bromley-Davenport. (Director - Xtro)

posted 15 years ago by Harry323-1
11 replies | jump to latest

Hi, Everyone,

I wanted to write this message to thank you all for taking the time and trouble to post messages here over the past year ... and years.

You probably can't imagine how great it is to get feedback from a real audience - not film critics - and to interact in this way on this board. I truly enjoy talking with all of you. Forgive me if I am sometimes tardy in responding.

If you've followed my comments and answers you will be aware that I was 32 years old when we made this film in 1982 and that I was an idiot ... and remain one to this day. It was my second feature film and it's a bit of a mess, but it may be that messiness which has kept it alive on the video store shelves and on cable for all these years.

If there is any virtue to the film, it is that it doesn't make much sense. It's kind of all over the place. And, looking back, I can't imagine what we were thinking, other than to try to shock people. It truly surprises me that you all have actually seen the film and care enough to make comments so long after the film's release.

So, I wish everyone an Xtraordinay New Year.

Please go out and make better films yourselves. Believe me, the job of the Director is the easiest one on the set, so set your sights on that position. They bring you coffee and bacon sandwiches if you are the Director, and that's the best part of the job.

With great affection to you, one and all,

Harry.

[–] grrrdevin 15 years ago

Hey Harry,

Thanks you, too, for showing up here to interact with Xtro fans.

I've been watching the film for a few years now and must say, it's rather well-directed. Of course, it'll always be a ludicrous and silly film, but I can't help but notice subtle character nuances and other things that are indicative of professional attention to detail. Also, your original score for the film is very catchy and fitting, especially the opening title theme.

Here's my review of the film for anyone who cares about what I think: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqJUGA5X6os

"I've been living on toxic waste for years, and I'm fine. Just ask my other heads!"

[–] richwicz 15 years ago

I'd put Xtro on my list of favourite British horror films alongside the likes of Witchfinder General, Hellraiser, Tales from the Crypt, Frightmare, etc.

[–] glenmusher 14 years ago

nice to have you here Harry.

It was one of my favourites, even though I have not seen it for quite some time.

who can forget the fracas caused when d'abo became a 'Bond' girls some years later and her association with this project came to light and the indignation from some parts of the tabloid press, classic.

i think it's sucess is also attributable to various reasons, a great script, inventive And innovative sfx and make-up.

the cast was excellent too, especially the late and great Philip Sayer, Bernice Stegers and Simon Nash as the kid.Maryam D'abo...enough said!

IF another follow up is ever made, a cameo from some of the orginal cast would be great.

[–] I_John_Barrymore_I 14 years ago

No Harry, thank-you I just got done watching it for the first time.

: |
I have to go number two.

[–] jacksommersby 14 years ago

Harry's without a doubt one of the absolute coolest directors to interact with even if it's just on-line.

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] CasseroleWorshipper 13 years ago

It's always great to get hear from filmmakers themselves on IMDb!

I just saw the film for the first time and while I didn't think it was great, it was certainly a lot more compelling, inspired and definitely eerier than most other creature features from those days.

There was a specific ALIEN rip-off (I forgot the title) that's a lot worse than XTRO.

I don't mean to impose, but I am the Ocean.

[–] CasseroleWorshipper 13 years ago

FORBIDDEN WORLD aka MUTANT, that's the film I was talking about.
I don't mean to impose, but I am the Ocean.

[–] sahuagin 13 years ago

Shortly after the Xtro came out to rent my father rented it and he and I (then 7 years old) sat and watched it while my mother was in bed.
We loved it lol
I went on to watch the two sequels and while not as (dare I say) well done as the original, they did entertain!
One thing that always annoyed me though was the giant alien in Xtro 2, his head was too darned small lol
It is films like this though which led me to writing my first screenplay which was chosen as the film for the Co-Producer project under Stephan Shakespear and the one I am currently working on based around the works of H P Lovecraft.
Harry, I have spoken to many independent movie makers about my screenplay but was wondering if you would be able to give me you opinion in it sometime?

------------
Everyone is entitled to their opinion so try and act mature eh?

[–] MovieKnut 13 years ago

Thank you for your kind words Harry.

I still remember the first time I saw this on VHS in the '80s (after reading a review in the now defunct Video Today magazine).

This was indeed unsettling and at times shocking. For all its short comings it is a good story told well. Some of the set pieces (Action Man for one) were carried out very competently.

I wish you the very best for the future.

You can't palm off a second-rater on me. You gotta remember I was in the pink!