Arthur Hiller, born in 1923 in Edmonton, Canada, made significant contributions to film as a director known for his diverse storytelling. He directed The Careless Years (1957), a poignant exploration of youth and relationships, and Making Love (1982), which tackled themes of sexuality and identity in a groundbreaking way. Hiller's ability to blend comedy and drama is evident in his work, including Penelope (1966) and Nightwing (1979), showcasing his versatility in both genres. His films remain a vital part of the cult cinema conversation, reflecting the evolving landscape of American film.
Nightwing
Nightwing won the coveted Worst Picture award at the Hastings Bad Cinema Society’s Bad Movie Awards back in 1979. The film is set in a native American reservation in New Mexico that finds itself under the brutal assault of a bunch of vampire bats dripping with the plague. Deputy Youngman Duran is a do-gooder who believes he represents and must protect the culture and rich traditions of his tribe. At the other end is Walker Chee who is hell bent on capitalizing on the potentials and wealth from the oil that has recently been discovered in the tribe’s holy grounds. Duran however believes exploiting the oil’s potential wealth means compromising on the tribe’s traditions and culture. A colony of ferocious bats spreading the plague further complicate the tense situation as Deputy Duran is forced to quarantine the town which threatens to jeopardize Walker’s plans to exploit the oil. “An eco-thriller/horror adapted from the novel by Martin Cruz Smith (Gorky Park). Nightwing is the story of a colony of plague-spreading bats that brings terror to a small Native American community. The local sheriff, Duran (Nick Mancuso), believes ancient spirits are at work, taking shape in the animals, a belief buoyed by the death of troublesome shaman Abner. The local authorities, however, do not share his superstitious beliefs. Bat expert Payne (David Warner) does, however.” Rabid vampire bats which are indiscriminately slaughtering cattle and humans alike on a New Mexico Indian reservation are tracked to their deadly lair by an English Biologist in an effort to avenge the death of his father, who was eaten by them. Duran is a reservation cop who doesn''t believe the tribal lore that explains the bats'' strange behavior as part of some sort of spiritual revenge.
