HALLOWEEN VIEWING REPORT
Jen and I are dutifully immersing ourselves in another eclectic crop of—one hopes—spooky seasonal films. Been a pretty good roster so far, if tending towards the bleak for some reason. So, we’re kinda looking forward to catching up on some more extrovert fare; for instance, revisiting EVIL DEAD II (what can I say?), the retro fun STRANGE INVADERS, and a double feature of both versions of THE THING (equally superb, in entirely different ways).
Best so far though has been THE OTHER (1972) from director Robert Mulligan with screenplay (and novel) by Tom “I Married a Monster From Outer Space” Tryon. First rate in all departments, with an evocative rural setting, fine Goldsmith score and excellent cast headed by Uta Hagen. Very well told and at times quite chilling.
PULSE (aka KAIRO, 2001) is an excellent J-horror (no, I haven’t seen the American version), beautifully directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, that manages to chill even as it exploits a feeling of universal isolation and despair among its dwindling participants. Quite gripping, and more than a little haunting.
BLACK MOON (1933) is an early Columbia directed by Roy William Neill who once again shows that his fluid, ahead-of-its-time storytelling was no fluke. Jack Holt, Fay Wray and Dorothy Burgess are all good in this taut, exciting tale of voodoo and obsession in an exotic island locale. Not quite horror, not quite jungle adventure, but with elements of both, plus a healthy dose of pulp thriller, this one looks forward to the Val Lewton films of the 40s. Strong stuff for the time. And thanks, TCM.
SPIRIT TRAP (2005) and CONJURER (2008) both start out promisingly, and my hat’s off to anyone trying for less gore-dependant, more atmospheric-based ghost stuff. But as often is the case, severe dysfunction among the protagonists detracts from that certain “Other” (ghost, monster, whatever) and generates frustration rather than fear. Both have their moments, and evidence of skill in the telling (particularly CONJURER) but left us slightly disappointed.
Oh, yes, we watched the wonderful, original HALLOWEEN (1978) from Carpenter, a particular favorite of Jen’s. I’ve decided that film works so well, not because of what happens, but because of what doesn’t happen. Hey, if it ain’t broke…
—Larry Blamire
