Candyman

[Spike Marshall]

Still impressive even after 15 years, I honestly think it is up there with Hellraiser in terms of Clive Barker adaptations. The more I watch it, the more I start to appreciate the creative choices which led it away from being a standard slasher films, a fate that would unfortunately befall the sequels.

Once again this is partial advertisement for my latest blog entry (http://whatspikelikes.wordpress.com/2008/03/19/spikes-classics-candyman/) but I honestly do think this is one of the best horror films of the 1990s and it is all because of the mythological aspects of the film.

The way in which the movie posits about the nature of legend and folklore, with Candyman being actively threatened by Helen proving he doesn't exist is the sort of idea that is quite common place, but the way it is approached in Candyman with Helen almost becoming an avatar for the character is really quite spectacular.

[Trejo]

Really enjoy this movie, and the music is haunting. Sadly it only ever got the one solid entry before turning into, like you said, standard slasher fare. Agree with all your points above, Spike!

[Tieman]

I love this movie. The first time I watched it (on VHS in college) my buddy and I ate a bunch of mushrooms beforehand. Quite the experience! All the bees at the beginning tipped us off that we'd be in for a treat. I've watched it several times since then and I love how creepy it is even when you know what is going to happen.

I believe I read somewhere that this was actually shot in the projects and the gang members in the film were actual gang members. Anyone know if this is true?

[IggytheBorg]

Funny you should bring this up, as I was just thinking about this film earlier today. I saw it stoned the 1st time (ina theatre no less), and it freaked me out. I slept uneasily for a week or more. The scene that freaked me out the most was the kid getting castrated in the bathroom, because of its raw, amoral brutality. But there's so much more to recommend this film. The scene where she summons him and he kills the therapist from behind is awe inspiringly startling and disturbing. The whole bit about her being accused of committing his murders and wondering if she is in fact insane is terrifying as well. And last but certainly not least, the class war aspect of the film deserves mention and praise. Helen as upper middle class white girl going into the poorest and most dangerous housing project in Chicago, and the hostility and menace and mistrust she runs into there, are very real and very scary phenomena; having grown up a block away from the second worst project in Jersey City - which IS saying something, believe it or not - shoved that stuff in my face a lot for most of my life. I could relate to that fear, as any city dweller can, I think. Its inclusion is just a master stroke, adding a note to the already strong chorus of unease we're subjected to. And the reverb laden Tony Todd voice is tres creepy, too.

[Spike Marshall]

What I love is how ambiguous the film is about Helen's part in the murders. The murder of the dog, abduction of the baby and killing of Bernadette could be viewed either way and even the Psychologists death is kinda suspect. It is what I was getting into with the entire avatar thing, the Candyman using Helen as an implement.

[B_MetalSucks]

Candyman is probably the scariest movie I've ever seen. I've watched tons and tons of horror and I still won't say Candyman in front of a fucking mirror. I know Tony Todd's not going to gut me if I do but why tempt fate? :D

[Xagarath Ankor]

The fact that Virginia Madsen was severely allergic to bees and yet insisted on doing the kiss scene against the advice of the Bee Wrangler (Norman Gary, who seems to have worked on quite a range of films) is rather striking.

It is, indeed, an excellent film. Shame Bernard Rose doesn't seem to have done much else of note besides the (flawed) Paperhouse.

[neoolong]

Candyman is probably the scariest movie I've ever seen. I've watched tons and tons of horror and I still won't say Candyman in front of a fucking mirror. I know Tony Todd's not going to gut me if I do but why tempt fate? :D

What happens if Tony Todd says Candyman in the mirror though?

One of the few horror movies in my DVD collection. And completely different than what it became. But, I guess that's like a lot of franchises.

[Chris Olson]

For once, I completely agree with you Spike. Candyman is still one of my favorite horror films, and it deserves to have a much better recognition than it currently does. As previously stated, though, I think that might have a lot to do with truly terrible sequels. The first one is definitely a minor gem, though.

[Jonathan]

I LOVE this movie so much. I think you summed it up well in your blog entry Spike, nicely done.

I will second the love for the score, I finally need to buy this album I don't know why I haven't yet.

[B_MetalSucks]

What happens if Tony Todd says Candyman in the mirror though?

One of the few horror movies in my DVD collection. And completely different than what it became. But, I guess that's like a lot of franchises.
Easy, the mirror spontaneously explodes so as to avert a temporal fissure that would end the world. :D

[Alex Riviello]

Jesus Christ Spike, is every post of yours now a plug for your blog?

[Spike Marshall]

Well my intention is to have EVERY post on Chud be a plug for my blog, so I better start off with just mine.

I don't really see the problem seen as the only thread I've made so far that hasn't generated discussion was for Hellevator. The Indy thread has become something truly great and it is always nice to get Candyman love.

Moving away from that diversion the thing which stuck out to me about Candyman on this viewing is how little we actually see. We are shown the aftermath but aside from the Psychologist we're never shown the Candyman killing people. I think that is probably why it is so effective with even the on-screen killing being relayed more by sound effects (that sound of the hook ripping through someone is just horrific) being left largely to the imagination.

[IggytheBorg]

Visit Spike's classic "Candyman" blog!

I expect the check to be mailed forthwith, Spike.