Night 14 of 31 Nights of Horros

The first time I watched this movie I was fairly young. So young that I didn’t realize until this re-watch, that it wasn’t a normal cigarette that JoBeth Williams’ character was smoking in bed. Sometimes, as an adult, when you watch a movie that you have fond memories of as a child, the experience isn’t as good as you remember. I had this happen with a few films, Highlander, The Crow, The Last Starfighter and I was worried that would be the case here. I was very happy to learn it was not. This movie still surprised me, shocked me, scared me, for a story over thirty years old, it holds up remarkably well.

I always thought Steven Speilberg directed this movie. He produced it, and he co-wrote it based on his own story, but it turns out Tobe Hooper directed it. Yes, that Tobe Hooper. Texas Chainsaw Massacre Tobe Hooper. I guess I was surprised because for a guy who is best know for a movie about a family of cannibals, and who’s signature character wears a mask made of human skin, he does an amazing job of being more subtle here, reminding us of what it felt like to be a child in our bedroom at night, afraid of clowns, lightning, monsters under the bed and in the closet.

I like how the movie is structured most of all. It starts out spooky and the family passing off Carol Anne talking to the TV in the middle of the night as just a child maybe sleepwalking. Then they think it’s fun when strange things start happening with the furniture and eventually becomes more menacing and malevolent. Then when you think everyone is finally safe, you find out they aren’t. It’s a roller-coaster that is aided significantly by Jerry Goldsmith’s music.

Some of the green screen and stop motion isn’t as convincing in a high def transfer, especially when you are used to modern CGI, but it isn’t glaringly bad and the scenes that are dated are brief. Modern TVs don’t show static like that anymore, so it may puzzle younger first time viewers, but overall the makeup and effects are done well enough that they still look good. I’ll admit, I was still repulsed and a little freaked out when that guy rips off his own face.

Also, I can’t not mention Zelda Rubinstein. That woman adds sooo much atmosphere and character when she shows up, the movie would not be the same if any other actor had been in that roll.

If you’ve never watched it, or it’s just been a long time since you have, I would strongly recommend it this Halloween if you’re in the mood for a great ghost story.