The Amazing Bulk

Lore & Background

The film follows government research scientist Henry 'Hank' Howard, who injects himself with an experimental serum to prove its effectiveness to General Darwin, his girlfriend's father. The serum causes Howard to transform into a giant purple-skinned humanoid monster, the Bulk, whenever he gets angry. The plot involves a mad scientist, Dr. Werner von Kantlove, who plans to blow up the Moon, and a series of rampages and confrontations.

Reader's Guide

The Amazing Bulk is significant as an example of extreme low-budget filmmaking that relies entirely on stock imagery and classical music, rejecting conventional film production norms. Its notoriety stems from its absurd visuals and incomprehensible narrative, leading to comparisons with 'The Room of superhero movies.' The film was rediscovered and re-released in 2015, and a sequel ebook, The Return of the Amazing Bulk, was published in 2021. Its legacy lies in its cult status as a so-bad-it's-good parody.

Did You Know?

• The film's soundtrack uses classical music by Richard Strauss, Johann Strauss II, and Pyotr Tchaikovsky, among others.
• Principal photography cost $6,000 and was shot over five days on a green screen stage in California.
• Director Lewis Schoenbrun included references to Stanley Kubrick films, such as Dr. Strangelove and Lolita, in character names.
• A sequel ebook titled The Return of the Amazing Bulk was published on Amazon Prime on April 5, 2021.