MELTING MAN is a science fiction horror film that was released in 1977. Directed by William Sachs, the movie follows the story of an astronaut who returns from a space mission and starts to experience strange and terrifying symptoms. The movie begins with a group of astronauts on a space mission who are exposed to radiation while in orbit around Saturn. One of the astronauts, Steve West, is the most affected by the radiation exposure and starts to develop strange symptoms upon his return to Earth. He begins to melt and disintegrate, leaving behind a trail of gooey human remains wherever he goes.
Dr. Ted Nelson, a physician at a nearby medical facility, is assigned to investigate and find a cure for Steve's condition. He soon discovers that Steve's condition is contagious and that he must find a way to stop the spread of the disease. As Steve continues to melt away, he becomes increasingly violent and starts to attack the people around him.
Throughout the movie, we see the effects of the radiation exposure on both Steve and his surroundings. Objects in his vicinity melt and deform, while Steve's face and body continue to melt away. The special effects used to depict Steve's melting are crude by today's standards, but they were groundbreaking at the time of the movie's release.
As the story progresses, Dr. Nelson tries desperately to find a cure for Steve's condition, but time is running out. The disease is spreading, and Steve's violent tendencies are getting worse. In a race against time, Dr. Nelson and his team work to find a cure before it's too late.
MELTING MAN is one of those movies that has achieved a certain cult status over the years. It's a low-budget horror film that delivers some great campy thrills and chills. The acting is not particularly outstanding, but the movie's unique story and special effects make it a fun watch for horror and science fiction enthusiasts.
One thing that sets this movie apart is its rather unique premise. The idea of an astronaut returning to Earth with such a grotesque condition is a great premise for a horror movie. And the special effects used to depict Steve's melting are still impressive to this day. While the rubbery body parts and cheesy explosions may seem a bit dated now, they were quite impressive for their time.
Another thing that makes MELTING MAN stand out is its mix of horror and comedy. The movie is certainly not without its moments of gore and terror, but there are also some moments of absurdity that border on comedy. This mix of genres gives the movie a unique personality that is both scary and fun.
Overall, MELTING MAN is a classic horror movie that is both entertaining and memorable. Its unique premise, special effects, and mix of genres make it a movie that has stood the test of time. While it may not be for everyone, horror and science fiction fans will definitely get a kick out of this classic B-movie.