The Game Continues: Alex, H.P Lovecraft, and Horror

[NovaSpace888]

HP Lovecraft is one of my favourite authors. I read the 3 omnibuses cover to cover as a teenager and nearly scared myself to death as curious minds do. HP Lovecraft was the cause of many a nightmare, but I think it was worth it.

[TheCaptainLulz]

Gorgeous and a Lovecraft fan, Id better sub. And I agree on your Lovecraft points, The ability to imagine his stories beyond the page is whats him the best in my mind.

[dave00dance]

my favorite storys are The Rats in the Walls and At the Mountains of Madness

i also love the old point and click adventure games' shadow of the comet which handles lovecraft superbly, and to a more modern extent scratches and darknes within

[GrowlingVocals]

youre lovable

[Soulgotha]

I'm not generally scared by horror fiction, but Lovecraft has a way of capturing me to the point where I'm occassionally look over my shoulder to make sure I'm still alone. Great excerpt.

[PerthPete1]

Have you used/read this section previously or since Jennifer. I recall hearing of this rat like creature, who does sound exceedingly scary, somewhere else and can only think about coming across it online.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

It has since been used as narration in a wonderful stop motion film of Brown Jenkin by bluworm :)

[Tachyon55555]

YOG Sothoth

[formless777]

Wow, RavenOfPoe you have such vividly blue eyes. Nice taste in literature too.

[quacksacker]

Since he was an Anglophile, I think he'd enjoy hearing you read his stories. How about reading the whole story?

[TheRavenOfPoe]

I would love reading the whole story aloud =) I am not sure how long it would take though. I'll look into it I think ;)

[LockedPig]

where is the Cthulhu in this video?? o___O

[naughtypagan72]

One of my favorite stories was "Imprisoned with the Pharaohs" especially when the beast turned out to be just the paw of the giant Sphinx. It's been so long since I have read most of his stories - I'm going to have to go back and read them again.

[0SatampraZeiros0]

you mean the sphinx turns out to be the paw of the beast, I do wish he had written more stories though, I own all his books, some are even first editions, but I never get tired of reading them over and over again, they should make another video game based on the mythos

[naughtypagan72]

I agree - I liked 'Dark corners of the earth' and how it dealt with Innsmouth and the mind switch with the Yith, but I would like to see a game based on the 'Mountains of Madness' or 'The Case of Charles Dexter Ward', or even a modern day (although not exactly written by Lovecraft) Delta Green adventure with the MiGo/Majestic 12 or 'Club Apocalypse' backdrop.

[0SatampraZeiros0]

well they are making a movie of "At The Mountains of Madness" but it wont come out for a while

[TheRavenOfPoe]

I'll be excited to go see this new film version of "At the Mountains of Madness". They estimate 2010 for the release? I am uncertain they'll be able to capture the true nature of Lovecraft since he uses subtlety to create the horror in the mind of the reader themselves. Seeing it on screen might not work, but it will be interesting to see what they do with it ;)

[TeehpodT]

A film version of "At the Mountains of Madness"? Never say never, but my guess would be that it's impossible to do in a way that does the book justice, for the very reason you stated. But I'll have to watch it nevertheless. That daft Aliens vs. Predators movie borrowed heavily from the idea of aliens slumbering below polar ice, but to little avail.

[Wrathgarr]

On a serious note, how would someone persuade you to read the entire story and post it in sections as an audio book? You have a story tellers voice!

[Wrathgarr]

I'd fuck you so hard.

[Tireon]

Thank you, now I want to read 'The Dreams in the Witch House'. Le Fanu, author of 'Uncle Silas', is another fave scary author. :)

[TheSlickMachine]

The black and white plus the echo effect made this video very spooktacular.

[claytonian]

I think you would like Clark Aston Smith even more.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

I just read the Wikipedia page on him and I think you are absolutely right! With influences like the Brothers Grimm, Poe and Lovecraft it certainly sounds like it would be impossible for me not to enjoy ;) Thanks for the recommendation!

[fadeoutx1]

Ooo I just came across your videos randomly, but I love Lovecraft, and your reading actually made me shudder. He's so good at describing things that are so indescribably and horribly wrong... like the angles in the room or the hybrid-humanness of the creature... wonderful reading!

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thanks fadeoutx1!

[johnnyfnhollywood]

Your so much fun..Did I tell You I love this one? I play My guitar to You reading I like it I'm amused. You Rock

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you very much Johnny! =)

[TeehpodT]

watch?v=8Sw2AehazZw

[garpgump]

I still wonder if you seriously plan to read Gaiman. I stand behind my statement that you are a match made in heaven. Or somewhere equally as astonishing ... ;)

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you Bret =) Yes, I certainly do. And I realise now that he was the one who worked with Pratchett on 'Good Omens', yes?

[garpgump]

Yes, although I heard that Pratchett wrote most of the horror parts and Gaiman wrote most of the funny parts ... kind of a role reversal. (Each one trying to be like the other, I guess). I recommend "American Gods" as your first read (for a serious, full-length novel; "Coraline" as your first read, if you just want to get a taste of Gaiman. (BTW, "Coraline" is about to be released as an animated feature ... there are even some adverts saved in My Favorites ;)

[ThreeofThree]

What? I never heard it was going to be an animated feature. I'm so behind in the times. :(

[ThreeofThree]

My favorites of Gaiman's thus far are "Stardust" and "Neverwhere". :)

[zebidee55]

I like that you've been able to conjure up the three responses within the time limit without actually nominating anyone! I think we all knew what we had to do...

*tries to resist TROP hypnosis...*

[TheRavenOfPoe]

hehe! TROP hypnosis has quite a ring to it

[ZachrielCL]

Hahaha, it's a mutant moushe! Mutant moushesh can be really scary T-T

[TheRavenOfPoe]

hehe, quite so Fabian! =)

[mozartiikodesu]

Hi Jennifer!

Your talking is very very nice as usual.

Furthermore, your blue eyes invites me to the world of a beautiful dream.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you very much Tatsu =)

[Notafritzi]

I like listening to you but I am curious... is there a reason why you are always looking off to your left??? It always makes me feel like I should pop my neck...

[TheRavenOfPoe]

There is a window in front of me and the trees to the left are beautiful, hehe =) Also when I am thinking I tend to look off to the distance sometimes

[uziyahuidf]

You should play a lady in an Arthurian movie.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you very much, Uzi =)

[uziyahuidf]

You don't have to thank everyone! lol!

[TheRavenOfPoe]

They all deserve it though, hehe =)

[TheRavenOfPoe]

They all deserve it though, hehe =)

[ThreeofThree]

hehe That's what Jen does. She's ever so polite and humble. :)

[Sethtyphon]

"The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown." H. P. Lovecraft

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Excellent quote! And very true - it is also the very key to Lovecraft's work =)

[Curemage]

Holy Shit !!!

your eyes are soooo blue oO

[TheRavenOfPoe]

hehe, thank you ;)

[luvchoco356]

ur top really brings out ur eyes =)

great video !

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you =)

[luvchoco356]

ur welcome XD

[Shriekspear]

Lovecraft is great! I need to read more of his stories!.. I am currently reading Clive Barker all the Volumes of his Books of blood series it is pretty great so far..

[TheRavenOfPoe]

I do too, hehe! Thanks Jim =)

[partyguy135]

Lovecraft rocks! I've read all his stuff! My favs are the call of cthulu and at teh mountains of madness!

But I love most all of his writings!

[TheRavenOfPoe]

At the Mountains of Madness is one of my favourites too! =)

[eldritchwizard]

My favorite Lovecraft story is 'At the Mountains of Madness' - never liked the Witch House too much, the idea that weird angles can cause insanity never really scared me too much

[zebidee55]

That was the same problem I had with 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' - the guy goes insane because he can't define 'Quality'?! These days he'd just be given a job in customer service with my ISP.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

lol!

[TheRavenOfPoe]

'At the Mountains of Madness' is one of my most favourites from him, and actually the story I originally intended to use for this video. I had trouble finding one small paragraph to read that would do for the video though - that particulary story relies so much on the long build up of anticipation. I love it ;)

[JollyRoger136]

Don't know. I'm not too keen on horror stories, even though I've watched a number of movies, and read some books. There is nothing human or inhuman that can show me something different and new to me, though I read a lot of stuff connected in different ways with horror stories. May be I just don't call it horror, cause the thriller site of it is too much, or may be because horror as a whole to me is just a bad impression of ones wicked mind...

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Yes, in general I do not read much horror fiction nor see many horror films. But there are some masters of the genre that capture my imagination (such as the early film 'Nosferatu', or authors like Lovecraft).

[JollyRoger136]

It's a choice of the word we use, I suppose. However, I'd like to post a quote:

"Few creatures of the night have captured our imagination like vampires...

What explains our enduring fascination with vampires?

What is it about the vampire myth that explains our interest?

Is it the overtones of sexual lust, power, control...

Or is it a fascination with the immortality of the undead?

And what dark and hidden parts of our psyche are aroused and captivated

"By the legends of the undead"

[tmloyd]

One explanation I've heard for the interest in vampirism is the same one I've heard for zombies: the idea that we, too, can become these creatures. You too could be undead, could eat brains, suck blood, be a creature of the night, and that is frightening. Think of the movies Aliens: you too can carry around one of those murderous creatures, who'll burst from your chest and wreak havoc.

[JollyRoger136]

unlikely :)

[TheRavenOfPoe]

An interesting quote! And you're right about the choice of words being the key ;)

[AntaresInScorpius]

very nice reading. You should do more and longer readings. I could listen to you read all day.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you! I always try to keep the readings short, but you have encouraged me to perhaps try and longer one someday =)

[FGAlxPx]

Jenny, you sure are fine! ;) I have never ready anything by H.P. Lovecraft, I have to admit to my shame (or maybe short excerpts in handouts from uni?). But I've always wanted to. Mainly for the cool name. ;)

I loved the effects and how you read the bit at the end. You really make me want to pick up some Lovecraft literature-craft.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thanks Alex! =) And I agree about his name, hehe

[wildwyckedknight]

Loved he way you read that!

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thanks John! It was fun setting up the right atmosphere ;)

[bafr1]

it been a while , great to see ya , great video

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thanks Brendan! =)

[TimberGeek]

When I was younger I had a captain's bed, the sort of thing where the matress was elevated and drawers faced one side. There was a space you couldn't see into below the matress and behind the drawers. I was reading Lovecraft in bed when I heard something down there move...

I think I landed about 3/4 of the way to the door.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

I can imagine! Quite terrifying! Lovecraft can have that effect on me too ;)

[jedimaster86]

Very awesome Jennifer, I'd make one, but I don't think I have the zest in making one, but hope others do! Yeh, being an English major, I really should read more stuff (my excuse is that I am Pro Writing, not Lit), but Lovecraft seems interesting. Take care! =)

[TheRavenOfPoe]

He certainly is, hehe. His work can vary quite a lot, so people usually find some aspect of his work that they themselves enjoy =)

[ThreeofThree]

Oh I forgot to tell you that I love you hair in this one. What exactly did you do to it on the side. I want to try it. :)

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Aww thank you Ash =) I tied a small hair band loosely around that thin section of hair and that really was it, hehe. I was just playing around with it trying different things out ^^

[proteanview]

As a child, I read 'Masque of the Red Death'. I'm not sure where that stands in Poe's line up, but your channel has piqued my interest in Poe as an adult.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you! As an avid Poe reader that means a lot to me to hear that ;) I like the 'Masque of Red Death' - it has a wonderful anticipatory atmosphere in it. I think it was written fairly late in Poe's short life.

[GodNeptune45]

I do agree that the reading in the end was very well done. It seemed like when you appeared again to have me emersed into the book! :)

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you GodNeptune45!

[ThreeofThree]

Pretty everything. I love the effect at the end. I wish my camera did that too.

Hm...A reading, eh? You've given me an excuse to do a video on books. hehe

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thanks Ash! My camera can't do any tricks but the editing software afterwards certainly can, hehe! =)

[ThreeofThree]

haha I just realized that you got three responses in total. XD

Oh and Eddy drew me!!!! XD I love it.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

hehe, yes the non-tagging worked out well in the end =)

Oh! I'd love to see the drawing! ^^

[djmastervolume]

Wow you are so fine!

[djmastervolume]

Hi, Thanks for posting!!!!

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thanks Sam!

[johnnyfnhollywood]

Bravo!You rock.I am insane about You.Can I have My heart back?Oh nevermind just keep it.

its not worth change anyway.Keep it like keep the change see I told Ya Insane. Jen i fer Hahaha I love listening to You.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

lol, thank you Johnny =)

[Spombolized]

Great again Jen,

Your videos never stop amazing me..

I am quiet interested in Lovecraft as well.. You have just mad my day :)

Thanks Again,

Crynsos ~

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you Crynsos!

[bfsongs]

You're beautiful and cultured: what else would a man need?

*****

Bruno

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you Bruno ;)

[TheFantasticAtheist]

your eyesssssssssssssssssssssssss i'm meltinggggggg I'd probably have an easier time paying attention to what your saying while staring at your breasts (it looks so creepy in text, but fuck it). cause your eyes, thats all. what i'm trying to say is... uhhhhhhhh You are the most beautiful girl i've ever seen and I'm having a hard time trying to keep in mind that you aren't perfect, because nobody's perfect, but you seem reeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaly perfect in alot of ways. thank you, have a good day.

[frumpyframpton]

What a cop out on tagging =P The end of this was fantastically done, the heart thump introduction, the reverb, and the quality of the black and white really was quite impressive. You're getting quite good with these readings!

[TheRavenOfPoe]

hehe, yes quite a cop out ;) I'm glad you liked the horror effects! It was a challenge to make something in that style as I had not tried it before, but very fun getting to use some of those new editing tricks.

[zebidee55]

Absolutely brilliant reading Jen! I know this is one I'll watch a few times. LOL! I had everything crossed that I wasn't going to get tagged by you, but it has started me thinking...

[zebidee55]

Oh, and more laughing on the second viewing - this is the first time I've ever seen you dump a thirteen letter word for a five letter one! ;)

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Yes, sometimes the short, simple words really do fit best, hehe..

[zebidee55]

Lovecraft without a mention of the original Flying Spaghetti Monster, Cthulhu? LOL! The guy could write, but he certainly was a nutbag. Good choice sticking with his earlier work... ;)

[TheRavenOfPoe]

hehe, I have yet to delve far into the Cthulhu mythos

[TheRavenOfPoe]

hehe, thanks Michael!

[Vidstigur]

The hands seems most disturbing to me. I could just listen to your voice forever though. No matter if it be telling tales of horror, seagulls or cats and roses.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you ;) For me, it is both the human-like head and hands of Brown Jenkin that are most disturbing. Such a simple idea and yet so grotesque - Lovecraft at his best!

[TheMilkEyedMender]

As always your video was fantastic. I'm a big Lovecraft fan and you read the story extract brilliantly.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you Adam! =)