Carnival of Souls (1962) was one of the few films I recognized from the list on the back of the box and admittedly was a bit psyched to watch it. I have always heard great things about it, and knew of its status as a cult classic.
Unspooling like a slow burning extended episode of The Twilight Zone, Carnival of Souls opens with our heroine Mary caught in her friends showboating when they accept a drag race challenge only for the car to go over a old bridge. The town assuming the worst, is shocked to find Mary still alive. Following the accident, Mary intends to leave town to take at a job as a church organist. But terror stalks her at every moment as her mind slowly unravels.
Wow, this movie was really good, and probably doesn't get the credit it deserve though its reputation has risen from initial release. Many things worked with this film. Being the 1960's this is far removed from contemporary splatter fests. No, what Carnival of Souls does best is atmosphere, mainly through its score. Primarily organ music like Mary's professions, the score is somber and chilling and ratchets up the tension so when a scare comes, it earns it unlike most PG-13 horror that equates a jumping cat with terror. Modern day flicks like The Others (2001) and The Sixth Sense (1999) owe a grand debt to this low key chiller.
Well, we are on a good start, hopefully we can stay that way. Perhaps, that is too much to ask for. There is going to be some duds, it's just statistical.
Rating: Highly recommended.
Until next time, fly high and fly well.
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