Even for Larry Cohen, GOD TOLD ME TO is a bizarre hybrid. Part-crime thriller, part Demon possession film, part-Sci-fi alien abduction flick it certainly doesn't lack for twists and turns. Toss in an early Andy Kaufman performance as a wacked out cop and this is one bizarre feature.
Tony LoBianco plays an NYPD policeman who starts off on the trail of a sniper and ends up encountering a series of strange murders with the only common denominator that the perpetrator claims that "God Told Me To". Cohen's script includes cults, knife wielding mothers, gangsters, the World's Fair -- and, that doesn't even touch upon the weirdest part!
With such a mix of themes and twists, it's no wonder the film didn't do well upon release leading to the title switch (it didn't help). Even if it's only semi-coherent, Cohen does manage some suspense and thrills. LoBianco (who was a last minute substitute for Robert Forster, who quit) does his usual fine work and he keeps the audience with him. The supporting cast includes Sylvia Sidney, Sandy Dennis, Deborah Raffin and the always gripping Richard Lynch.
Bernard Herrmann was set to do the score, but passed on before he could do so (Frank Cordell replaced him after Miklos Rozsa turned it down). Cohen dedicated the film to Herrmann. Fans of Space:1999 should keep their eyes peeled for a surprise.
Tony LoBianco plays an NYPD policeman who starts off on the trail of a sniper and ends up encountering a series of strange murders with the only common denominator that the perpetrator claims that "God Told Me To". Cohen's script includes cults, knife wielding mothers, gangsters, the World's Fair -- and, that doesn't even touch upon the weirdest part!
With such a mix of themes and twists, it's no wonder the film didn't do well upon release leading to the title switch (it didn't help). Even if it's only semi-coherent, Cohen does manage some suspense and thrills. LoBianco (who was a last minute substitute for Robert Forster, who quit) does his usual fine work and he keeps the audience with him. The supporting cast includes Sylvia Sidney, Sandy Dennis, Deborah Raffin and the always gripping Richard Lynch.
Bernard Herrmann was set to do the score, but passed on before he could do so (Frank Cordell replaced him after Miklos Rozsa turned it down). Cohen dedicated the film to Herrmann. Fans of Space:1999 should keep their eyes peeled for a surprise.
