An American Haunting

~ The Film ~ Donald Sutherland and Sissy Spacek provide good characterization in this retelling of the Bell Witch tale, which took place in rural Tennessee beginning in 1817. A lame contemporary "wrapper" (as an introduction and post-script to the film) detracts from this otherwise competent period piece, and comes off as a clumsy attempt to make the period subject matter more accessible.

~ The History ~ The Bell Witch story surrounds the Bell family, living on the frontier in Adams, Tennessee. Speculation of the cause generally settles on a property dispute with a reputed witch prior to the strange events. These events began with John Bell shooting a strange animal in 1817, reportedly posessing of a dog-like body with a rabbit-like head. Subsequently, threatening voices and physical attacks plagued the family for years, centering mostly on John Bell and his daughter Betsy (whose choice of prospective husbands was apparently of concern to the witch). The Events continued until the voices fortold John Bell's death, which occurred in 1820. He was found dead with a small vial of an unknown poison, which was thrown into the fireplace. Early accounts place future President Andrew Jackson as a visitor to the Bell farm during the problems, although no official records confirm this. The voices had also promised to return, and apparently did so in 1935, often reportedly speaking to some of Bell's descendants.

~ Measuring Up ~ The film skimps on exploring the possible reasons leading up to the problem. It also avoids depiction of certain prophetic voices and later events affecting subsequent generations of the Bell family. However, it provides an adequate adaptation of the story, focusing on how the stressful events affected each member of the family. Faithful treatment is given to major elements of the story, including the strange vial of poison used by John Bell. On the whole, written accounts of the haunting are much more interesting and effective than this film's treatment.

The Amityville Horror (1979)

~ The Film ~ Young family moves into a bargain home in New England, only to learn of the recent murders that took place there. Strange events begin stacking up. The youngest daughter makes an invisible pig-friend, and the father becomes increasingly agitated, apparently assuming characteristics of the murderous former occupant. An unwholesome secret red room is discovered in the basement, and the events reach a violent climax amid storm and ectoplasm. The family flees for their live, never to return.

~ The History ~ The Lutz family based this story on their bestselling published account of their experiences, but some details were later refuted. The Lutz family did indeed live at the now infamous Amity, NY home beginning in 1975. It is also a fact that the DeFeo murders occurred in that house 13 months before the Lutz family took ownership. Strange events, movement of objects, a room full of flies, and their daughter's invisible playmate Jodi could never be accounted for. In the end, the family fled after only 28 days in the house, published the book, and has generally stuck with their story for years as 'mostly true.' Some details were later refuted, but even late interviews with the couple are consistent with the major aspects of the story.

~ Measuring Up ~ Direct translation of names of the family and the prior occupants signals that this film attempted to maintain fidelity to the best selling book. The original film version is quite faithful to the story, although the Lutz never really provided any additional commentes regarding the supposed "red room" found within their basement. The remake of the film strays further, adding a fictional "Jody" character and otherwise attempting to amp up the effects without much heart.

Borderland - 2007

~ The Film ~ Beginning with a failed police raid on a cult, this film follows three vacationing students in the borderlands of Mexico. Crossing paths with the loathsome cult, one student is taken for sacrifice, while the others attempt to locate him, ultimately aided by the survivor of the original police raid. Similar in feel to "Wolf Creek," the violence in this film is fairly unflinching.

~ The History ~ The director was inspired by his spring break experiences in 1989, when he attempted to go to Mexico while a search for a missing student, Mark Kilroy, was taking place. Mark was taken while inebriated in Matamoros by a group of drug smugglers for sacrifice to provide supernatural protection. Led by a charasimatic madman, the criminals believed that the blonde, pre-med student would offer a powerful addition to their rituals, which made use of brain and spinal remains, some of which were later found. Following an extensive manhunt prompted by Mark's parents, the offenders were soon located, and the cult leader died in a police shoot out in Mexico City. Seven other cult members were arrested and incarcerated.

~ Measuring Up ~ Although this is a fictional account, it is alarmingly accurate, right down to the cult's use of terms for ritual elements. Use of machetes, dismemberment and focus on brain and spinal materials are accurate portrails of the events. The cult leader is clearly based on his historical counterpart, even bearing a physical resemblance. Luring the solitary student in the film is done with some guile, while the real victim was told that he was being arrested. The film also skirts the involvement of the victim's parents, putting resolution on more directly participatin characters for a more streamlined narrative.

Broken - 2006

~ The Film ~ Sparsely produced, but occasionally visually rich, this film begins with the words "This film is based on real events." It follows the trials of an abducted woman, tortured , tested, and kept in the forest by a rustic lunatic. Good performances and several very unsettling scenes deliver a good film.

~ The History ~ Not known at this time, although the feeling seems to have been inspired by the Backpack Murders of Australia. Possibly because the actors seem Australian. Interviews with the director reveal a "we started out trying to do everything in this movie, but then we trimmed it down, then we added some cool stuff" approach to scripting this film. In other words, there is no indication that anything in this movie is based on fact.

~ Measuring Up ~ At this point, I declare this 'inspired by true events' claim to be marketing hogwash. There is no indication that it is based on anything but the first-time director's need to make their pitch. Fail. Fooey.

The Entity (1981)

~ The Film ~ Ain't seen it.

~ The History ~ At various periods, this movie (adapted from the 1978 Frank De Felitta novel The Entity) was reported to be based on an actual case of a woman named (in pseudonym) Carla Moran. Subject matter experts (see below) contributing to the story asserted as much, and throughout the years, several 'Carla Morans' have come forward, the last being confirmed as having passed away on July 25, 2006. The Moran case included incubus-style assault and apparitions of a dark, shadowy figure.

~ Measuring Up ~ Ain't seen it. Guiding the accuracy of the adaptation were doctors Barry Taff (who confirmed Moran's death in a statement in 2006) and Kerry Gaynor. These doctors were apparently conducting long-term research into the case, protecting Moran's identity and serving as technical advisors on the film.

The Exorcist

~ The Film ~ This classic tells the story of a young girl near Georgetown University who becomes the target of a malevolent spirit. The church is brought in, and an elderly, experienced exorcist, aided by a doubtful younger priest, come to the family's aid. Although the reason for the posession is never given, it is suggested that a Ouija board contributed, although the spirit's target is clearly the elderly priest, rather than the young girl.

~ The History ~ Blatty was inspired by a Washington Post article (August 20, 1949) that described the 1949 case of 13-year old Ronald Hunkeler, who reportedly was exorcised over a period of time at two hospitals near Washington, DC. Graduating high school in 1954, he went on to become a scientist with NASA. Accounts of a vibrating bed, strange scratching noises, voicing in Latin, messages appearing in skin rashes, and objects moving were part of the tale, but never confirmed by the participants. A journal was kept by the direct participants, and it is reported that Blatty was able to review a copy only years after the film was made.

~ Measuring Up ~ Blatty intentionally changed many of the facts surrounding this case (out of respect for the actual participants) when he wrote the Exorcist. Gender of the child, names, and locations were all fictionalized. However, many of the film's episodes appear to be directly inspired by the details provided by the media at the time. While enhanced for dramatic effect, this suggests a very accurate script.

The Exorcism of Emily Rose

~ The Film ~ The story of a farm girl's apparent possession, attempted exorcism, and subsequent death are played against the staid courtroom proceedings that follow. The film skillfully balances a story of stong faith and a gradual horrific descent into possession against the modern rationalism of the investigation, told through flashbacks. The exorcism scenes in the horse barn are intense, and even unsettling, yet the film manages to resolve the matter in redemtption.

~ The History ~ In 1976, 23-year old German student Anneliese Michel died as an apparent result of an exorcism. Devoutly Catholic, the ritual was undertaken to free her of as many as six spirits that had been assaulting her since the age of 16. The two involved priests and her parents were convicted of negligent homicide. Leading up to her death, she was prescribed various drugs, often reported seeing demonic faces, and experienced violent catatonic rigid spams. During the rituals, her changed voice claimed to be a demon that had afflicted many historical villians, including Nero and Hitler. She died on July 1, 1976, the day she predicted that she would be free of the demons.

~ Measuring Up ~ The courtroom aspects of the case (which includes the playing of audio tapes, which occurred in the actual trial) result in a differing outcome from the actual events, as do the names and locations (Germany is translated into rural America). However, the devoutly Catholic girl is plagued by visions and possession, and ultimately fortells her death, which is not inconsistent with the exploration of free will (in the film) that results in her death.

The Eye

~ The Film ~ A blind girl receives a transplant (either the cornea or the entire eye) that restores her sight. Intially delighted, she soon begins to observe unsettling visions that are soon attributed to the malevolence of the donor (similar to Body Parts). Much horror ensues. One interesting aspect of this scenario is that since the girl never had sight, how readily could she process certain visions as aberration (other than by verifying with others)?

~ The History ~ This movie was reportedly inspired by a newspaper article several years ago, which described the death of a girl who came out of darkness by surgery after being blind for her entire life, and ended up committing suicide one week later

~ Measuring Up ~ I haven't seen the recent remake, but this is a creative case of expanding an interesting scenario into a fully developed story. While clearly inspired by the reported event, it never intended to limit itself to the known facts. Spectral visions and apparent haunting creates a horrifying way to 'fill in the blanks' of the actual events. This elaboration is done for all the right reasons, and with good effect.

The Haunted (20xx)

~ The Film ~ Ain't seen it.

~ The History ~ The extended haunting of the Smurl family begin in 1974 with odd noises, wierd leaks and exploding televisions. By the mid-1980s, it had escalated to beatings and assault by man-pig incubii and succubii (if you know what I mean). Attempts to expel the spirits in 1986 with blessings and exorcism just made the entities angry.

~ Measuring Up ~ Ain't seen it. Since the film is based on husband Jack Smurl's own account in his novel The Haunted (1988), it is likely to be accurate in its depiction of the reported events.

The Haunting in Connecticut (2009)

~ The Film ~ A family (In this treatment named Snedeker) moves into an older home in Connecticut, unaware that the residence had been a funeral home. Shortly after moving in, disturbances begin. While most acutely targeting the teenage son, these spiritual attacks eventually encompass the entire family.

~ The History ~ This incedent, which began in 1986, has received some noteriety and several treatments. It is the basis of the book In A Dark Place, by Ray Garton. A documentary style treatment A Haunting in Connecticut for the television series A Haunting appeared in 2002. In 1986, Ed and Karen Parker's son Paul was undergoing a lengthly series of cancer treatments, so the family moved to an older Connecticut home located near the hospital. Shortly after the move, it became apparent that the residence had been a funeral home for many years. In fact, some of the equipment, including an embalming table, remained. Paul began to see manifestations of entities, which included four figures described as 'dark men,' primarily in the basement where embalming had taken place. Another more troubling spirit came to be called 'the man in the suit.' Coinciding with these manifestations, Paul's health began to deteriorate, and his behavior became more erratic. Finally, his parents had him committed to a mental hospital. Once Paul was removed from the home, the forces inhabiting the house turned on the rest of the family.

~ Measuring Up ~ I haven't seen it, but based on what I do recall, sticking to the facts as stated will produce a pretty good movie. We shall see.

The Hills Have Eyes

~ The Film ~ A family on a cross country RV trip take one of those ill-advised 'short cuts' and become lost in the desert. In the hills nearby, a family of inbred maniacs make their home, killing anything that comes their way (and apparently reading Roman mythology). They descend upon the RV family in a series of a attacks that were shockingly brutal when the film was originally released. It still holds much of that impact.

~ The History ~ I saw an interview with Wes Craven around 2002, in which he stated that the idea for this film came to him after he heard an account of Sawney Bean and his family of inbred cannibals living in medieval Europe, terrorizing the countryside. According to the often disputed lore, Alexander 'Sawney' Bean was born in East Lothian, Scotland in the 16th century. He took up with an awful woman and moved to a coastal cave in Bannane Head, near Galloway. Together and through incest, they sired some 46 children over 25 years. Together, this misanthropic clan robbed, murdered, and ate hundreds, pickling the leftovers and remaining hidden in their bone-filled cave. Eventually, they were caught be a posse led by King James VI of Scotland and publicly tortured, mutilated, burned and executed.

~ Measuring Up ~ This is another case of Craven coming across a nugget of inspiration, and then creatively running with the theme. Certainly, this film makes no attempt to accurately document the story of Sawney Bean, but instead grasps the nucleus of the story and develops a plot that is more accessible to contemporary audiences. That said, the film does preserve the basic elements of criminal/cannibal wierdos living in caves, probably inbreeding, and preying on anyone who gets close enough. The original is still a very effective film, and widely regarded as a precedent-setting classic.

Hostel

~ The Film ~ American tourists of loose morals are lured by sex and drugs to a back-country abduction, where they become victims of a 'murder factory' in eastern Europe. The film shifts gears without warning, turning into a lurid close-up study of depravity and violence. Although the films climax is weakened by a contrived plot, the film creates horror on several levels - the explicit violence, and the notion that there are people willing to pay for it.

~ The History ~ Economic depression, loose law enforcement, and relative isolation have allowed some parts of eastern Europe to become a bit seedy and dangerous. So far, it seems that the notion of such 'pay to kill' factories are urban legends, but I am still checking.

~ Measuring Up ~ Certainly, Roth was inspired by urban legends floating about eastern Europe. It is not clear if this film is a response to any specific events, but I am still checking. Filming in Europe with beautiful location shooting in Cesky Krumlov and other 12th century villages adds richness and depth to this film, and captures some of the flavor inherent in eastern Europe.

House at the End of the Drive

~ The Film ~ Waiting to see this new independent film.

~ The History ~ The directory of this indie film cites the Tate-LaBianca murders as his inspiration. The climax of Charles Manson's madness, these murders shocked the nation in the late 1960s, showing a rare cultish dark side to the whole peaceful hippie movement. The trial of the cult members was also widely publicized, and Manson remains incarcerated to this day. Film critic Rex Reed had planned to go to the fateful party, but felt ill. Roman Polansky's wife Sharon Tate (Fearless Vampire Killers) and her unborn child were not as lucky.

~ Measuring Up ~ Taint seen it yet.

Lady in White

~ The Film ~ This nostalgic tale follows the story of a child who, while locked in the schoolhouse at night, encounters a melancholy ghostly Lady in White. As the Bradbury-esque tale unfolds, a forgotten crime is uncovered, eventually resolving the ghost's torment.

~ The History ~ The ghost known commonly as 'the White Lady' was first reported in the castle Berliner Schloss in 1625, with subsequent sightings as recently as 1888. This castle was home of many of the kings of Prussia, and the popular theories identifying the White Lady include the guilt-ridden child-murdering countess Kunigunda of Orlam�nde, a melancholy Bohemian widow named Bertha of Rosenberg, and the mournful Hungarian princess Kunigunda of Slavonia. There is an apparent universal appeal to this melancholy spirit, as other countries reporting sightings include the England, Ireland, America, the Czech Republic, Brazil, Portugal the Phillipines and Malta. Apparently she gets around.

~ Measuring Up ~ Visually, this is as pure an icon of haunting is likely to be. Ghostly and heartbroken, she pines for a long lost child. Although the rest of the film follows the unravelling of the long forgotten murder, they have the major bases covered for this adaptation.

Men Behind The Sun 1988

~ The Film ~ Set during the height of conflict between Japan and China during World War II, this shocker depicts the horrors inflicted upon Chinese and Russian prisoners of war at the hands of their Japanese captors at Squadron 731. Although the stated goal is to develop a strain of bubonic plague for biological warfare purposes, the quasi-medical and just-plain-wrong 'experiments' abound, each more shocking than the last. Made in Hong Kong, it pulls no punches in its treatment of the Japanese.

~ The History ~ Apparently, there were installations of this sort run by the Japanese during their occupation of Manchuria. Certainly, as illustrated by The Rape of Nanking in the late 1930s, Japanese forces of occupation were out of control, committing numerous atrocities against the Chinese.

~ Measuring Up ~ Although this film is over the top, history has taught us that mankind has the capability to utterly abandon humanity. Director Mou Tun Fei asserted that this was a historical film, and even begins the movie stating that "Friendship is friendship; history is history," to underscore an assertion that the film is not a condemnation of modern Japan, but a depiction of one part Imperial Japan's history while in China. While specific scenes of the film may be fabricated, one may assume that they accurately capture the spirit of an occupational force running amok.

Psycho

~ The Film ~ This classic tells the tale of Norman Bates, a quiet loner who runs an isolated hotel and is quite obsessed with his mother. Hitchcock skillfully touches on elements of violence and sexual conflict that were hard to discuss in that era. Norman kills because of that conflict, but retaining human remains is only suggested by the end of the film and his own skills in taxidermy.

~ The History ~ Ed Gein does it again. This was the first film inspired by the Wisconsin murderer, who himself had quite a few issues with his mother and sexual repression. Gein, on the other hand, took a more direct approach.

~ Measuring Up ~ Themes of repression and cross-gender roll playing are key. Norman wears a dress, assuming the guise of his mother, while Gein wore female remains, assuming something a horrific gender-change in the moonlight. Isolation plays a key role as well.

Ressurection Mary - 2005

~ The Film ~ This fairly weak film follows a craven protagonist who nearly knocks boots with a mysterious woman at a wedding reception. While driving home, she is hitch-hiking, and they pick her up before she causes a horrible car accident. Clearly she is a ghost. She then becomes a 'vigilante-ghost' by killing everyone between her and the stupid protagonist, only to reappear at the end, ready to go again.

~ The History ~ Ressurecton Mary is one of the best known Ghosts in America. Seen since the 1940s near Ressurection Cemetary in Justice, Illinois, she would often meet people at a Willow Springs (Willowbrook?) dance hall. After dancing, she would request a ride home, only to stop the car near the cemetary, often disappearing without a trace. Even credible witnesses such as police officers attest to this tale. Sightings continued into the 1970s, and her identity has been traced to three likely Polish girls buried in the cemetary.

~ Measuring Up ~ After an establishing shot shows the 'Willow Brook' banquet hall, much of the connection to the original tale break down. The hitchhiking ghost has no earthly purpose, and instead of disappearing by the cemetery, she just kind of, well, goes away. A benign spirit has been hijacked as Casper the Terminator. Fooey.

The Night of the Hunter - 1955

~ The Film ~ This classic noir film often creeps unseen into top horror film lists. The only film directed by Charles Laughton, it features Robert Mitchum as a self-appointed preacher drifter who insinuates himself into a family to locate a stash of money. Things get nightmarish from there, especially for the children.

~ The History ~ In the film, Mitchum plays Harry Powell, who is based on real-life drifter/killer Harry Powers, a grocer and former vaccuum salesman known ever afterwards as the "American Bluebeard." In 1931, Powers was convicted and later hanged for his murders of two widows and three children in Quiet Dell, West Virginia.

~ Measuring Up ~ The expressionistic film runs with the inspiration of the drifting 'family killer,' but finds its own story. Both Powell and Powers seemed rather mild-mannered and unimposing at the onset, but the brutality of the real murders and ditch disposal of the bodies resonates in Mitchum's performance. Visually rich, and with great performances throughout, this film remains a classic, just left of center.

Scream

~ The Film ~ Wickedly self-aware, this film follows the plight of a group of teens pursued by a masked, knife-wielding killer. The art is in the telling, and the opening sequence with Drew Barrymore has beome a classic.

~ The History ~ Wes Craven was reportedly inspired by the March 9, 1994 episode of the television newsmagazine Turning Point, which ran a segment regarding a serial killer who murdered 5 college students in Gainesville, Florida in 1990. A drifter named Danny Rolling was convicted of the brutal knife murders/mutilations, and put to death in October, 2006 for these crimes.

~ Measuring Up ~ The fear that gripped Gainesvile is echoed in the cast of this film, and emphasis of a knife as the weapon makes a close tie with the actual crimes. The degree of brutality and the friendships of the victims also rings true, although the theatrical nature of the movie killer's costume invites a welcome degree of detatchment from the actual horrors of the crimes.

The Serpent and the Rainbow

~ The Film ~ Wes Craven was inspired by actual events again when he created this exploration of Voodoo in the fate that can befall outsiders. Bill Pullman is put through the ringer of experiences and abuses at the hand of a closely guarded cult.

~ The History ~

~ Measuring Up ~

The Strangers (2008)

~ The Film ~ After a wedding, a couple returns to their secluded cabin. A woman knocks on the door, looking for a person who does not live there. Later, a group of masked strangers descend on the couple, terrorizing, abducting and finally stabbing them repeatedly. When asked 'why?' they respond 'because you were home.'

~ The History ~ According to director Bertino, this film was inspired by an event from his own childhood in which a stranger came to his home asking for someone who was not there. Later, it was learned that vacant homes in the neighborhood had been broken into that night, and an assumed connection was formed. In other interviews, he also cited inspiration from the Manson family murders in 1969, which also fit this general pattern. The common thread is seemingly random brutality invading the safety of a home.

~ Measuring Up ~ Although the film opens with the narration "What you are about to see is inspired by true events. According to the F.B.I. there are an estimated 1.4 million violent crimes in America each year. On the night of February 11, 2005 Kristen McKay and James Hoyt went to a friend's wedding reception and then returned to the Hoyt family's summer home. The brutal events that took place there are still not entirely known," the construction of this film bear little resemblance to the events it purportedly depicts. In this case, 'inspired by' is more accurate than representing the film as anything approaching a factual depiction of a specific set of crimes.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

~ The Film ~ Travelling teens in Texas stop at the wrong house, and become the victims of a family of maniacs. The home is trimmed with furniture and decorations made from human remains, and Leatherface wears masks and other items fashioned from the skin of his victims. In the prologue, it is mentioned that the area is plagued with acts of gravesite desecration and graverobbing. Who will survive, and what will be left of them?

~ The History ~ Described as 'inspired by true events,' this film loosely borrows from the late 1950's activities of Ed Gein of Wisconsin (not Texas). Ed dug up quite a few women from the local cemetery, fashioning articles of clothing from their skin (and unmentionables) before actually committing murder. However, we worked quite alone, being the quiet sort who kept to himself.

~ Measuring Up ~ Although this is a very loose adaptation, the themes of isolation and donning of human remains provide the necessary link. However, the Chainsaw characters are driven by resentment of changing times and violence for the sake of violence, rather than repression and necrophelia. The image of Leatherface remains the tightest link to the source material.

The Town that Dreaded Sundown (1977)

~ The Film ~ In 1946 rural Arkansas, a Texas Ranger searches for a masked serial killer that has terrorized the community. Watch for Dawn Wells, who had played Mary Anne on Gilligan's Island.

~ The History ~ Between February 23 and May 4, 1946, a hooded killer terrorized the Texarkana, Texas region. Known as the 'Phantom Killer,' the 'Texarkana Phantom' and the 'Moonlight Murderer,' he was known to strike most often when the moon was full. Committing numerous murders and sexual assaults along remote rural roads and farms, he was never apprehended, although the primary suspect was convicted of other crimes.

~ Measuring Up ~ Um... I haven't seen this movie yet, m'kay. However, the general facts line up.

Witchfinder General (aka The Conqueror Worm)

~ The Film ~ Vincent Price offers a somewhat subdued menace as sadistic opportunist Matthew Hopkins, who begins a rampage of accusation, torture, and murder as a witchfinder in a time of military unrest. He and his sadistic assistant (thug) travel from village to village creating havoc wherever they go. Ultimately, a vengeful soldier manages to exact his revenge. For its time (1968), the film was brutal, shocking, and successful.

~ The History ~ The film is based loosely on the book Witchfinder General by Ronald Bassett (1966), which is based on the historical Matthew Hopkins (ca. 1620-1647), who notoriously hunted witches during the English Civil War. Hopkins appointed himself the title of "Witch Finder General," although no offical office existed. He generally used bloodless forms of torture (sleep deprivation, dunking), but also employed pricking by needles to reveal spectral evidence. He was well paid for his efforts, and generally reviled by the communities he put to the test. Although there are folkloric accounts that he was himself dunked until drowning, the general evidence suggests that he died in his own home as a result of an illness.

~ Measuring Up ~ The general facts line up surprisingly well - Hopkins, a highly motivated witchfinder, did indeed have an assistant named John Stearne. The timeframe and depictions of locations are generally in keeping with the actual history. While Hopkins and Stearne probably did not participate in extensive torture and rape, they did a fair amount of needle-based interrogation, which is featured in the film. Earlier treatments of the script were reportedly more brutal and explicit, so the final film is probably closest to the historic degree of Hopkins' torture methods. Hopkin's death, at least, opted for a hollywood treatment to resolve the protagonist's vengance, rather than anything based on actual or popular history.

Wolf Creek

~ The Film ~ A group of young tourists in Australia have vehicle problems out in the middle of nowhere (which is specifically a large crater at Wolf Creek), but a friendly 'Bruce' (named Mick) on walkabout comes to their aid. Then things go sour very quickly, and the fim becomes an unflinching torture festival, as they are preyed upon, abused, tortured, mutilated and murdered by a sadistic outback serial killer.

~ The History ~ Two Austrailian murder cases provided inspiration for this film, most notably the "Backpacker Murderer" Ivan Milat between 1991 and 1993. Abducting backpacking tourists in the wilderness, Milat leisurely tortured and mutilated as many as seven victims, burying their remains in the remote Belanglo State Forest. A wide variety of methods were used on the individual victims, sometimes employing multiple non-lethal gunshot wounds, and other times involving a knife or strangulation. Milat was apprehended after a failed abduction, and is currently incarcerated. Also cited as contributing inspiration to the film is the 2001 outback abduction of two British backpackers (Peter Falconio and Joanne Lees) by Bradley John Murdoch. Lees escaped during the abduction, but Falconio was murdered, and his remains have never been located. Murdoch was convicted despite some confusion by Lees, and remains incarcerated.

~ Measuring Up ~ Although the film is a loose adaptation of these events, it is accurate in a general sense, with a lone outbacker abducting and torturing tourists in the remote Australian wilderness. The first shooting torture scene of the film is especially consistent with some of the facts of the Milat case, as is the variety of the assaults. The escape of a survivor is more consistent with the Murdoch case. However, the dangling conclusion of the film departs from actual events, as a loose monster is more frightening than a kept prisoner.

Albert Fish

~ The Film ~ Bring on the peanut butter and pins! Documentary in form, this film creates a vivid picture of the child murderer and his times through interviews and dramatizations. A fairly rough film, its credibility is diminshed by extensive interviews with a self-acclaimed Fish expert who should probably be playing D&D somewhere. I was able to attend the world premier of the film (despite a direct to DVD release) in 2007.

~ The History ~ Albert Fish was a creepy loner who, in 1928, insinuated himself into the good graces of the Budd family, only to abduct, torture, murder, and eat their daughter, Grace. Seven years later, he sent the Budds a letter describing the crimes, which ultimately led to his arrest. Fish privately enjoyed aberrant behavior including coprophagia, self mutilation rape and cannibalism. An elderly man, his gentle appearance allowed him to seem kind and harmless. Fish was ultimately apprehended and executed in the electric chair.

~ Measuring Up ~ This well researched film savors the most unpleasant aspects of Fish and the Budd case, with adequate re-enactments featuring a creepy plastic looking actor portraying Fish. An annoying self absorbed commentary by a self-professed Fish expert diminishes the otherwise competent film. While lacking compassion or empathy, the films successfully captures the spirit of the times.

Dahmer

~ The Film ~ A grim, gratuitous film that probably didn't need to be made. It attempts to humanize the Wisconsin serial killer with speculative depiction of his amorous encounters, which often ended in murder. The true extent of the horrific mutilations and 'trophy keeping' that shocked the world are de-emphasized to some extent. The pacing is generally slow, and the acting is adequate.

~ The History ~ Jeffrey Dahmer was arrested near Milwaukee after a police visit revealed an extensive collection of human remains. In the end, Dahmer was found guilty of the killing of several young men living on the fringe. Not long after his incarceration, he was brutally beaten to death.

~ Measuring Up ~ This is an adequate account of the murderer, although the topic probalby won't be addressed by too many films in the future, lingering over his troubled relationships. Too much effort is made to humanize a criminal who had fairly completely forfeited his humanity.

Deranged

~ The Film ~ This is the first direct film adaptation of the Ed Gein story, and as such, was clouded in infamy for a decade or so.

~ The History ~

~ Measuring Up ~

Dirty Harry

~ The Film ~ I know, I know. While this is not a horror film, it accurately parallels the Zodiac case, presented in a fictionalized "Scorpio Murder" case in California.

~ The History ~ Zodiac terrorized California in the late 1960s, randomly murdering people with a military precision. He onced threatened to blow up a school bus of children. The most notable aspect of the mystery was his freqeunt hand-lettered encrypted letters to the local newspapers. Amateur cryptologists ultimately cracked the code and allowed his bragging to be published, per his conditions. He was never apprehended.

~ Measuring Up ~ This film's villian, the "Scorpio Killer" actually takes a school bus hostage, inspired by Zodiac's threat. The most interesting adaptation is that this film uses letters to the newspapers that include characters copied from the actual Zodiac letters. In the end, Dirty Harry wins, of course.

Ed Gein

~ The Film ~ Steven Railsback strikes an uncanny chord as serial wierdo Ed Gein. Much emphasis is placed on his relationship with a fervently religious, overbearing mother, which apparently influenced his madness. A 'haunting-like' quality is given to his descent into madness, still beset upon by his mother's repressive expectations. Railsback does a solid job of depicting this troubled, isolated madman.

~ The History ~

~ Measuring Up ~

The Hillside Stranglers

~ The Film ~

~ The History ~

~ Measuring Up ~ A made for TV movie, this film neccesarily skimps on revealing the actual brutality of the killers. Ongoing torture was a major obsession for the real killers, both to their victims and to a few key acquaintances (one of which provided valuable testimony for their conviction). Otherwise, though the film is an adequate protrayal of the cleaned-up events surrounding these serial killers and their subsequent apprehension.

Zodiac

~ The Film ~

~ The History ~ Robert Graysmith's definitive book on the subject uses a journalist's acumen to document the facts surrounding the Zodiac killings in late 1960's California.

~ Measuring Up ~

Soonish...

~ The Film ~

~ The History ~

~ Measuring Up ~