IN SEARCH OF DARKNESSÂ Documentary – one of the most joyous experiences if you are a horror fan
Here is probably a contender for the ultimate documentary on one of the greatest and most productive periods in horror movie making history.
IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS: A JOURNEY INTO ICONIC ’80S HORROR, which is exclusively playing on Shudder, is on one level the perfect fit for any horror fans, old and new, who want to explore some of the cult titles and blockbuster franchises that defined the period that was launched with the huge independent success of the likes of John Carpenter’s 1978 classic HALLOWEEN and Sean S. Cunningham’s iconic FRIDAY THE 13TH (1980).
Now, if you are people who don’t have any time for the genre, but are curious to know what and why people actually enjoy the pleasures of watching people kill or be killed – and you are willing to embrace a number of spoilers (and there are a few in this film, which are purely there in context, coupled with all manner of extremely gory and excessive moments involving all manner of menacing men and monsters from all corners) – then you are going to lap up this brilliant chronological journey through the 1980s revolution of horror, with some of the key contributors that made the genre what it was, what it is and what it has the potential to become.
This is an educational insight with intelligent reflections from the likes of Carpenter and Cunningham, plus many of the actors and technicians that helped create some memorable lines and effects that scared millions both on the big-screen and in the home at the height of the VHS revolution, which for a certain generation is how we would always watch movie.
There are some reflections from the female perspective as well, validating why some of the female women characters, such as Nancy in A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET (1984) and Stretch in THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2 (1986) were depicted as helpless victims who were to become, but in fact the actresses who played them, in this case Heather Langenkamp and Caroline Williams, were actually celebrating the strength and wisdom that made them regarded as true heroines.
There are some segments reflecting on the joys of 3D and horror movie soundtracks and other technical perspectives, fused with archive behind-the-scenes footage.
The only thing you have to be mindful of is that this clocks in at nearly four and a half hours, so you might want to pace yourself – and if you want a respite from the shocks and visuals, you can happily stop watching for a while, but I guarantee you will want to see what other gems are revealed to the world.
Related post:Â Day 13 Review: A movie for bona-fide horror fanatics
If there is a lost opportunity, it’s that because of the sheer volume of titles reflected on, there isn’t enough analysis of the individual titles, but given that there are plenty of special editions of a lot of the films on show which have exclusive ‘Making-Of’ content (and you must check out some of the Arrow Video releases in the UK and elsewhere for expanded insights, you are not short of reference material. This is still a perfect start-off point for newbies – and a great opportunity for long-term and veteran horror geeks to reflect and reminisce about their favourite films and heroes.
Horror remains one of the most accessible, profitable – but sadly misunderstood genres of the cinema, but it is something that can be done low-budget or high-blockbuster concept.
IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS is one of the most joyous experiences if you are a horror fan like me – and destined to be one of the all-time classic and great documentaries of all time.
JOY – OH JOY!!!!
