The first time I watched Nobuhiko Obayashi's "House" (Hausu), it felt like stumbling into a fever dream, a psychedelic roller coaster ride through the most bizarre and unpredictable of haunted houses. Released in 1977, this film is a surrealist kaleidoscope, blending horror and comedy in a way that is both unforgettable and unfathomable. It is, without a doubt, one of those movies that severs the typical expectations one might have for a haunted house film, delivering an experience that is anything but ordinary.
Key Takeaways From This Film
Surreal Visual Style:
The film is renowned for its surreal, pop-art aesthetic, utilizing painted backdrops, chroma key effects, and innovative camera techniques to create a dreamlike atmosphere.
Genre-Blending:
"House" masterfully blends horror and comedy, delivering moments of absurd humor intertwined with shocking, macabre scenes that keep viewers both entertained and on edge.
Unpredictability:
The narrative is full of unexpected twists and turns, abandoning logical progression for a nonsensical, dreamlike flow that enhances the film's unsettling charm.
Creative Collaboration:
Nobuhiko Obayashi's young daughter Chigumi significantly influenced the story's whimsical and surreal elements, showcasing the power of imaginative collaboration.
Character and Setting Integration:
The haunted house itself becomes a central character, its evil spirit and unpredictable nature driving the plot and interacting dynamically with the seven girls.
Inventive Death Scenes:
Each character's demise is depicted in a uniquely creative and horrifying manner, ranging from battles with severed heads to being devoured by household objects, reflecting Obayashi's inventive approach to horror.
Musical Score:
The eclectic score, composed by Asei Kobayashi and Mickie Yoshino, blends traditional Japanese music with psychedelic rock, enhancing the film's surreal and eerie atmosphere.
Cultural Impact:
Despite its initial reception, "House" has gained a cult following over the years, recognized by the Criterion Collection and celebrated for its innovative approach to horror filmmaking.
Absurdist Humor:
The film’s humor is reminiscent of Monty Python, with over-the-top performances and absurd situations that elicit both laughter and unease, highlighting the film's unique blend of comedy and horror.
Memorable Viewing Experience:
"House" offers a viewing experience that is both unforgettable and disorienting, leaving a lasting impression due to its original visual style, unpredictable narrative, and the seamless fusion of horror and comedy.
"House" tells the story of seven teenage girls who embark on a summer trip to the countryside to visit the home of one of the girls, known as Gorgeous. Played by Kimiko Ikegami, Gorgeous's journey to her aunt's house sets the stage for a series of supernatural events that are as charming as they are horrifying. The film, directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi, is a visual and auditory feast, a testament to the filmmaker's unique style and innovative approach to storytelling.
Obayashi's "House" is a film born out of an unusual collaboration with his young daughter Chigumi, whose imagination helped shape the narrative's nonsensical and surreal elements. The screenplay, penned by Chiho Katsura, complements Obayashi's direction, creating a world where logic is abandoned in favor of dreamlike sequences and absurdist humor. This collaboration between father and daughter results in a film that is a whole lot of fun, yet deeply unsettling.
From the beginning of the film, the painted backdrops and chroma key effects give "House" a pop-art aesthetic that is both whimsical and eerie. As the girls—Gorgeous, Kung Fu, Melody, Prof, and their friends—explore the house, they encounter a series of supernatural events orchestrated by Gorgeous's aunt, played by Yoko Minamida. The house itself, a character in its own right, becomes a labyrinth of horror where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur.
Throughout the film, the girls' interactions with the haunted house are punctuated by moments of dark comedy and shocking violence. The scene where Kung Fu battles a severed head or when a pile of bananas becomes an unexpected source of terror exemplifies the film's unpredictable and macabre tone. Obayashi's original visual style, influenced by his background in advertising and experimental filmmaking, shines through in these moments, making "House" a viewing experience that defies categorization.
The set design and special effects in "House" are a testament to the creative ingenuity of Obayashi and his team. The use of painted backdrops, practical effects, and innovative camera techniques creates a dreamlike atmosphere that is both captivating and disorienting. The film's score, composed by Asei Kobayashi and Mickie Yoshino, further enhances the surrealist variety shot, blending traditional Japanese music with psychedelic rock to create an auditory landscape that is as strange and compelling as the visual one.
An Unforgettable Comedy-Horror
One of the most striking aspects of "House" is its ability to balance humor and horror. The film's comedy-horror elements are reminiscent of Monty Python, with absurd situations and over-the-top performances that elicit both laughter and fear. This blend of genres is executed with such finesse that it becomes difficult to distinguish where the comedy ends and the horror begins, resulting in a film that is as entertaining as it is unsettling.
The story of seven girls in a creepy house in the countryside might sound like a typical ghost story, but "House" is anything but typical. The film's narrative structure and visual style are full of abstractions, creating a sense of unpredictability that keeps the audience on edge. Obayashi's use of surreal imagery and bizarre plot twists brings an unsettling charm to the film, making it a standout in the horror genre.
As the film progresses, the girls' fate becomes increasingly grim. Each character meets their end in a manner that is both creative and horrifying, highlighting Obayashi's talent for blending the macabre with the absurd. The haunted house, with its evil spirit and unpredictable nature, becomes a character that is as vital to the story as the girls themselves. This interplay between character and setting creates a dynamic that is both compelling and terrifying.
In the end, "House" is a film that challenges conventional filmmaking norms. Its original visual style, innovative storytelling, and blend of horror and comedy make it a film that is both unforgettable and unfathomable. The Criterion Collection recognized its significance by including it in their library, ensuring that this 1977 Japanese horror film continues to be appreciated by new generations of viewers.
For anyone seeking a film that defies expectations and offers a viewing experience like no other, "House" is a must-see. Directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi, this film is a testament to the power of imagination and the art of storytelling. It is a film that will leave you both bewildered and captivated, a true gem in the world of cinema.
"House" is not just a film; it's an experience—one that takes you on a journey through the bizarre and the beautiful, the humorous and the horrifying. It's a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, a testament to the enduring power of Obayashi's vision and creativity.
And that is House 1977 Reviewed. A Classic Horror Film out of Japan that every fan of Horror needs to watch.
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If You Liked House You Might Also Like These Films
"Suspiria" (1977)
Director: Dario Argento
Description: This Italian horror film is a visually stunning masterpiece known for its bold use of color and chilling atmosphere. It follows an American ballet student who transfers to a prestigious dance academy in Germany, only to discover it harbors sinister and supernatural secrets. The film's distinctive style and haunting score by Goblin make it a must-watch for fans of surreal and atmospheric horror.
"Evil Dead II" (1987)
Director: Sam Raimi
Description: A perfect blend of horror and dark comedy, this sequel to "The Evil Dead" amps up the gore and slapstick humor. The film follows Ash Williams, played by Bruce Campbell, as he battles demonic forces in a secluded cabin. Known for its innovative special effects, dynamic camera work, and over-the-top performances, "Evil Dead II" is a cult classic that balances terror and hilarity.
"Hausu" (2010)
Director: Nobuhiko Obayashi
Description: This film, often confused with the original "House" due to its similar title, is another gem from Nobuhiko Obayashi. It explores the dark and whimsical story of a haunted piano that brings chaos to the lives of a young girl and her family. With its imaginative visuals and blend of horror and fantasy, it’s a spiritual successor to the 1977 classic, showcasing Obayashi’s signature style.
"The Cabin in the Woods" (2012)
Director: Drew Goddard
Description: This meta-horror film subverts genre conventions by introducing a twist on the classic "cabin in the woods" trope. A group of friends visit a remote cabin, only to find themselves manipulated by unseen forces. The film cleverly deconstructs horror clichés while delivering plenty of scares and dark humor, making it a fresh and entertaining take on the genre.
"Don’t Look Now" (1973)
Director: Nicolas Roeg
Description: A psychological horror film that blends the supernatural with intense emotional drama. It follows a couple, played by Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie, who move to Venice after the tragic death of their daughter. They soon encounter strange occurrences and a mysterious figure in a red coat. Known for its atmospheric tension and unsettling narrative, the film is a haunting exploration of grief and the supernatural.
House 1977 Reviewed FAQs
Q: What is "House"?
A: "House" is a Japanese horror comedy film directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi. Released in 1977, the film is known for its surreal visual style, blending of genres, and innovative storytelling. It was produced by Toho, the legendary studio behind many classic Japanese films, and has since gained a cult following for its unique approach to horror.
Q: Who are some of the main characters in "House"?
A: The main characters in "House" include Gorgeous (Kimiko Ikegami), Fantasy (Kumiko Ohba), Prof (Ai Matsubara), Kung Fu (Miki Jinbo), Melody (Eriko Tanaka), Mac (Mieko Sato), and Sweet (Masayo Miyako). Each character represents a distinct personality trait, which is reflected in their names and how they interact with the supernatural events in the film.
Q: When was "House" first released?
A: "House" was first released on July 30, 1977, in Japan. Despite initial mixed reviews, the film has since been re-evaluated and is now celebrated for its innovative and unconventional approach to the horror genre.
Q: What is the plot of "House"?
A: The plot of "House" revolves around a schoolgirl named Gorgeous, who, after a disagreement with her father about his new girlfriend, decides to visit her aunt's house in the countryside with six of her friends: Fantasy, Prof, Kung Fu, Melody, Mac, and Sweet. The house, however, is haunted by the spirit of her aunt, who uses the house's supernatural powers to consume the girls one by one. The film is a blend of horror, comedy, and surrealism, creating a unique and unforgettable narrative.
Q: Who composed the music for "House"?
A: The music for "House" was composed by Asei Kobayashi and Mickie Yoshino. Asei Kobayashi was a well-known Japanese composer, while Mickie Yoshino was a member of the popular Japanese rock band Godiego. The film's soundtrack blends traditional Japanese music with psychedelic rock, adding to the film's surreal and eerie atmosphere.
Q: What makes "House" unique compared to other films?
A: "House" is known for its unconventional storytelling, surreal visuals, and blending of horror and comedy genres. Director Nobuhiko Obayashi employed a variety of experimental techniques, including animated sequences, matte paintings, and unconventional editing, to create a dreamlike and often disorienting atmosphere. The film’s absurd and imaginative special effects, combined with its bizarre and whimsical narrative, set it apart from traditional horror films.
Q: Why is "House" considered a cult classic?
A: "House" is considered a cult classic due to its eccentric plot, creative filmmaking techniques, and lasting impact on audiences. Initially overlooked by mainstream critics, it has since been embraced by fans of avant-garde cinema for its originality and bold artistic vision. The film's inclusion in the Criterion Collection and its continued influence on filmmakers and artists further solidify its status as a cult classic. Its surreal visuals, dark humor, and inventive storytelling have ensured its place as a beloved and influential piece of cinematic history.