While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.
So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!
Another horror entry from the King.
Thanks to our day one winner of the 31 days of Haunt- Tober giveaways, I was pushed to scratch off a blindspot I had been meaning to do for a while.
As a big Carpenter fan (obviously) this seemed like a no brainer. In comparison to his wide range of work (including the connected In the Mouth of Madness) it isn’t a favorite but it still boasts enough scares and wildly intriguing concepts to warrant discovery.
A priest (Donald Pleasence) finds a vial in an church cellar that seems to be the essence of Satan.
When it spreads, claiming various collegiate, a student, Kelly (Susan Blanchard), becomes the main victim as it threatens to take her over completely.
It has a beautifully atmospheric score that matches a claustrophobic vibe. The film really finds its voice in the second half, paced well and haunting in aesthetic. It has an interesting and creative bit of world building and some terrific individual scenes.
Written and directed by John Carpenter, we are treated to the usual oddity with a sense of foreboding tension.
Prince of Darkness asks intriguing and controversial questions, creates dread early on, and builds a collective sense of curiosity from its audience. This master of horror knows his stuff, so with any film I start I am automatically trusting in his direction. I’ve seen more confident pieces and execution of compelling narratives in other projects, but his usual sensibilities are on full display.
There are a lot of great ideas that don’t always pay off, but, it possesses a haunting sensibility that makes for a terrific choice for an autumn night watch.
The performances outdo the script, but they are still iconic, especially Donald Pleasence. It meanders on silly with a touch of psychotic, and if nothing else Prince of Darkness is an interesting experience to live in for a time.
This take on demonic horror is truly a strange bit of cinema, but a welcoming addition to a long list of talented work. Come for Carpenter stay for the weird.
Today’s winner:
Wonderfully Weird & Horrifying 