It's rare that well respected directors get to make cult movies late in their career, but the great John Huston managed at least two cult greats. The first was the 1972 Fat City, a compelling made and performed story of the decline of two boxers, played by Stacy Keach and Jeff Bridges. The second was the 1979 Wise Blood, a film that should be treasured by all lovers of offbeat cinema, and anyone looking for an alternative and inventive cinematic take on religious obsession.

Adapted from the novel of the same name by Flannery O'Connor (also a joy), the film tells the story of Hazel Motes (a career best from Brad Dourif) a war veteran who returns from battle with little waiting for him but the hypocrisies of the over-zealous evangelists that populate his bible-belt hometown. ‘Jesus Saves' read the neon-lit signs that litter the streets. With an upbringing fuelled by fire and brimstone sermons Hazel realises he has had enough and begins his own rebellious crusade against the town, founding 'The Church of Truth Without Jesus Christ'.

Featuring an all star cast including Ned Beatty, Harry Dean Stanton and Amy Wright, Wise Blood is blasphemous, thought provoking, funny, tragic and moving, exploring the weight of human deception, belief and redemption, while also exposing some of the hidden 'evils' of evangelism, the hypocrisy, the
corruption and the hold its disciples had over southern towns. Wise Blood is a Southern Gothic masterpiece, darkly comic and wonderfully sinister, steeped in atmosphere, and driven by superb performances.

Fat City has been announced – big hoorahs this end – for a UK DVD release on 2nd March 2009 by Second Sight at the RRP of £19.99. Bonus features will include interviews with actors Brad Dourif, Amy Wright, screenplay writer and producer Michael Fitzgerald, and screenplay writer Benedict Fitzgerald, whose combined running time will be a respectable 70 minutes.