I've been saving this photo for a day when I didn't have anything else to say.Today is that day.
I suggest you click on it in order to enjoy its amazing creepiness full-size. Nothing less will do. Go ahead. I'll wait.
There's something about a gas mask -- particularly this model and vintage -- that is just so completely dehumanizing. Without the gas masks, all you have is a large group of school-age children arranged for a portrait on a fairly cloudy day. With it, you have an army of insect-like creatures massed and ready for plunder beneath a glowering sky.
I think the man in the uniform just right of center is especially horrific. The man to the right of him, the one in the baggy jumpsuit, is also nightmare-worthy.
And check out those two little scamps hiding behind the tiny cannon in the lower-left corner!
I love this photo. I wish the covers of horror novels could look more like this.
Instead of like this.
(With all apologies to L.L. Smith, and every other author who's been saddled with a similar cover by their publisher.)
3 comments:
Great photo. And horror novels could look like that, if the authors had any clue (or say) in their choice or design. Some authors do, most don't, or so I hear. I know I'll fight to design my own but maybe that's like representing yourself as a lawyer. A fool for a client.
Anyway, I've lost your email. I might've deleted it. Wait. Hold up. Nevermind. I'm sending a crit your way. Don't worry, it's very pleasant. A spoonful of sugar with just the hint of mediciny after-taste.
That picture says a thousand words. I've actually been toting with the idea of scavenging through some old photos I found in my dead grandparents belongings and using my imagination to write some sort of story about the cooler/weirder ones.
Cool find!
Michael - I'm glad I tuned into your blog. I LOVE that photo. And you're absolutely right about the creep factor. A season or so ago, the Dr. Who writers used the theme for an excellent episode with the children of war torn England as the zombie-like mask wearing subjects of despair. Brilliant really. I hope the new season is as good (starts tomorrow, btw).
Hugs from CT,
Fran
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