In the pantheon of haunted house movies, few have left a mark as indelible as "The Amityville Horror." The classic 1979 movie, directed by Stuart Rosenberg, encapsulates the chilling essence of a horror film that has stood the test of time. Imagine, if you will, a serene neighborhood in Amityville, New York, where an idyllic house at 112 Ocean Avenue harbors dark secrets that would unsettle even the bravest of souls. This film, based on Jay Anson’s book, paints a portrait of horror so vivid that it continues to haunt our collective consciousness. And why not? When newlyweds George and Kathy Lutz, along with their three children, move into a large house where a mass murder was committed, they unwittingly step into a nightmare woven with inexplicable manifestations that have strong effects on everyone living in or visiting the house.
Key Takeaways From This Film
Compelling True Story: The film is based on the real-life experiences of George and Kathy Lutz, who fled their home after only 28 days due to terrifying paranormal events, adding a layer of authenticity to the horror.
Strong Performances: James Brolin and Margot Kidder deliver memorable performances as George and Kathy Lutz, effectively portraying the psychological and emotional toll of living in a haunted house.
Chilling Atmosphere: The film creates an eerie and oppressive atmosphere, with the house itself feeling like a malevolent entity that influences and torments the characters.
Iconic Haunted House: The house at 112 Ocean Avenue, with its distinctive facade and ominous windows, becomes a central character in the film, symbolizing fear and dread.
Effective Use of Music: Lalo Schifrin’s haunting score enhances the film’s unsettling mood, with the main theme becoming synonymous with the film’s sense of foreboding.
Memorable Scenes: Key scenes, such as George seeing red eyes in the window and the infestation of flies, are unforgettable and contribute to the film's lasting impact on the horror genre.
Supernatural Elements: The film effectively blends supernatural horror with psychological tension, featuring manifestations like green slime, ghostly apparitions, and inexplicable disturbances.
Rod Steiger’s Role: Rod Steiger's portrayal of Father Delaney adds depth to the film, showing the struggle of a priest battling against unseen evil forces.
Historical Context: The film references the mass murder committed by Ronald DeFeo, who killed his family in the house, providing a grim backstory that amplifies the horror experienced by the Lutz family.
Enduring Legacy: "The Amityville Horror" remains a seminal work in the haunted house subgenre of horror films, influencing subsequent movies and retaining its status as a classic due to its compelling story and effective scares.
The narrative hooks you from the very beginning of the film, plunging you into the life of the Lutz family as they attempt to start a new life. James Brolin, in one of his most memorable performances, plays George Lutz, a man who slowly unravels under the sinister influence of the house. Margot Kidder, with her ethereal presence, portrays Kathy Lutz, a woman caught between her love for her husband and the growing terror within their dream house. Together, James Brolin and Margot Kidder create a chemistry that is both believable and heart-wrenching, making the audience feel the weight of their dread.
The haunted house at the center of this horror movie is not just a backdrop but a living, breathing entity. The exterior of the house, with its ominous windows that seem to watch over everything, sets the stage for a series of terrifying events. Throughout the film,
Rosenberg masterfully uses the house’s eerie ambiance to amplify the sense of dread. The infamous scene where George Lutz, played by Brolin, sees the glowing red eyes of a demonic pig named Jody through a window at night is a testament to the film’s ability to instill pure fear. This particular moment, among others, has cemented the movie’s status as a great horror classic.
Rod Steiger’s portrayal of Father Delaney adds another layer of depth to the film. As a local priest who senses the evil lurking within the house, Steiger’s performance is both intense and haunting. His character's struggles against the malevolent forces make for some of the film’s most gripping scenes. The inexplicable occurrences, such as the sudden appearance of flies and the oozing green slime, contribute to the house's malevolence. These manifestations, which have strong effects on everyone living in or visiting the house, create an atmosphere of relentless terror.
The film’s score, composed by Lalo Schifrin, is another element that elevates "The Amityville Horror" to the status of a horror classic. The main theme, with its chilling melody, lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. It perfectly complements the film’s tone, enhancing the sense of unease that permeates every scene.
A Very Dark And Disturbing Home
The story of the Lutzes, who only lasted 28 days in the house before fleeing in terror, is a compelling one. Their ordeal is made all the more disturbing by the fact that it is based on a true story. Ronald DeFeo, who murdered his entire family in the house, looms like a shadow over the narrative, reminding viewers of the very real horrors that inspired the film. This connection to true events adds a layer of authenticity that is often missing in modern-day horror movies.
As the film progresses, George Lutz's descent into madness becomes increasingly disturbing. Scenes of him chopping wood with a possessed intensity or being tormented by the sight of red eyes in the night are unforgettable. The house seems to have a will of its own, driving George to the brink of insanity and creating a palpable tension that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
The interplay between the supernatural and psychological horror in "The Amityville Horror" is what makes it a timeless classic. Like all good haunted house films, it taps into our primal fears of the unknown and the unseen. The film critic in me appreciates how Rosenberg's direction and the performances of Brolin, Kidder, and Steiger come together to create a film that is both terrifying and deeply affecting.
Despite the passage of time, "The Amityville Horror" remains worth a watch. Its influence can be seen in countless horror films that followed, and its place in the history of horror movies is firmly established. The 2005 remake starring Ryan Reynolds may have brought the story to a new generation, but the original 1979 movie directed by Stuart Rosenberg retains a unique charm and terror that is unparalleled.
In conclusion, "The Amityville Horror" is more than just a haunted house flick; it is a testament to the enduring power of a well-told horror story. The combination of a compelling true story, strong performances, and masterful direction makes it a film that continues to resonate with audiences. The Lutz family’s harrowing experience, the sinister presence within the house, and the chilling atmosphere created by Rosenberg ensure that this film remains a touchstone in the genre. For anyone seeking to understand the essence of true horror, "The Amityville Horror" is an essential watch, a haunting journey into the dark recesses of fear that leaves an indelible mark on all who dare to enter.
And that is The Amityville Horror 1979 Reviewed. A classic horror movie from the seventies that inspired modern remakes and revisions.
Stay tuned for more Horror Movie Reviews.
If You Liked The Amityville Horror You Might Also Like These Films
The Exorcist (1973):
Often hailed as one of the greatest horror films of all time, "The Exorcist" tells the harrowing story of a young girl, Regan MacNeil, who becomes possessed by a demonic entity. Her mother, desperate for help, enlists the aid of two priests, one of whom is battling his own crisis of faith. The film is renowned for its intense, terrifying scenes and has left a lasting impact on the horror genre.
Poltergeist (1982):
Directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, "Poltergeist" centers on the Freeling family, whose home is invaded by malevolent spirits that communicate through the television. The youngest daughter, Carol Anne, is abducted by these spirits, leading the family to seek help from parapsychologists and a spiritual medium. The film is a masterful blend of supernatural horror and special effects that delivers genuine scares.
The Shining (1980):
Based on Stephen King's novel, "The Shining" is directed by Stanley Kubrick and stars Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance, a writer who takes a job as the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel. Along with his wife Wendy and son Danny, Jack becomes increasingly influenced by the malevolent forces within the hotel. The film's unsettling atmosphere, haunting visuals, and Nicholson's iconic performance make it a cornerstone of horror cinema.
The Conjuring (2013):
Directed by James Wan, "The Conjuring" is based on the real-life investigations of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The film follows the Warrens as they help the Perron family, who are experiencing terrifying events in their Rhode Island farmhouse. The Conjuring is known for its expertly crafted suspense, chilling atmosphere, and strong performances, particularly by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as the Warrens.
The Haunting (1963):
Directed by Robert Wise, "The Haunting" is a classic psychological horror film based on Shirley Jackson's novel "The Haunting of Hill House." The story follows a group of people invited to investigate the supernatural occurrences at Hill House, a mansion with a sinister history. The film's use of sound, lighting, and set design creates a pervasive sense of dread and unease, making it a must-see for fans of haunted house stories.
The Amityville Horror 1979 Reviewed FAQs
Q: What is The Amityville Horror about?
A: "The Amityville Horror" is a classic horror movie about newlyweds George and Kathy Lutz and their three children who move into a famous haunted house at 112 Ocean Avenue. The house, where a mass murder was committed by Ronald DeFeo Jr. who killed his entire family, soon reveals inexplicable manifestations and poltergeist activity. The film is inspired by the allegedly true story of the Lutz family, who experienced a series of disturbing paranormal events during their brief stay in the house.
Q: Who stars in The Amityville Horror?
A: The main characters are played by James Brolin (George Lutz) and Margot Kidder (Kathy Lutz). The film also features notable performances by Rod Steiger, who portrays Father Delaney, a local priest who tries to help the family, and Helen Shaver, who plays Carolyn, a friend of the Lutz family. These actors deliver strong performances that contribute significantly to the film's eerie and unsettling atmosphere.
Q: Is The Amityville Horror based on a book?
A: Yes, "The Amityville Horror" movie is based on the book of the same name by Jay Anson. The book, published in 1977, claims to recount the true story of the Lutz family's harrowing experiences in the haunted house. The book became a bestseller and its popularity helped to cement the story's place in the annals of horror lore.
Q: Why is The Amityville Horror considered a classic in the horror genre?
A: "The Amityville Horror" is considered a classic horror movie due to its terrifying portrayal of a possessed father, the chilling and inexplicable manifestations experienced by the Lutz family, and its significant influence on modern-day horror films. The movie's combination of supernatural and psychological horror elements, strong performances, and its basis on a supposedly true story contribute to its lasting impact and status as a horror classic.
Q: What are some key scenes in The Amityville Horror?
A: Some iconic scenes include the swarming of flies in the house, the appearance of a pig with glowing red eyes named Jody, and the chilling mass murder of the DeFeo family that took place before the Lutz family moved in. Other memorable moments involve George Lutz's increasingly erratic behavior, the mysterious green slime oozing from the walls, and the eerie voices that terrorize the family.
Q: Is there a sequel to The Amityville Horror?
A: Yes, there have been several sequels and remakes of "The Amityville Horror" over the years. These include "Amityville II: The Possession" (1982), "Amityville 3-D" (1983), and the 2005 remake starring Ryan Reynolds and Melissa George. Additionally, there are numerous other films and documentaries that explore the supposed hauntings and the history of the infamous house, reflecting the story's enduring fascination.
Q: How was The Amityville Horror received by audiences and critics?
A: "The Amityville Horror" was praised for being ahead of its time in terms of horror filmmaking, and it achieved significant commercial success. However, critical reception was mixed; while some critics appreciated its eerie atmosphere and strong performances, others felt it relied too heavily on typical horror tropes. Despite this, the film's impact on the genre and its popularity with audiences have cemented its place as a notable entry in horror cinema.