MovieChat Forums > Carnival of Souls (1962) Discussion > Why this movie works

Why this movie works

posted 3 years ago by Drooch (5333)
5 replies | jump to latest

This strange low budget film keeps coming back to haunt us because of its one-two punch of…

1. Candace Hilligoss being so smoking hot, charming and a really good actress (why didn’t she have a massive career?) and

2. An oppressive mood. There’s an uncanny feeling about the town, like it’s a sandbox world you can never escape. It’s an imitation of our world but has no soul. Just when you think it’s real new ‘cracks’ emerge and more ghouls leak out.

So yeah, the Twilight Zone world and Hilligoss’ reaction to it works so well that you just forgive and forget about its technical limitations, somewhat random deviations (why does the predatory neighbour have so much screen time?) and questionable supporting performances.

[–] jcnyclv (1633) 3 years ago

I agree. I happen to think Carnival of Souls is one of the best horror movies ever made. To me, it's right up there with Night of the Living Dead.

Another excellent, very creepy older film is Horror Hotel (City of The Dead).

[–] Ed (530) 2 years ago

Three excellent choices. I’d also add The Haunting by Robert Wise.

[–] jcnyclv (1633) 2 years ago

Ah, the original with Julie Harris, definitely!

[–] greenbudgie (2356) 2 years ago

Don't forget the spine-tingling cameo from director Herk Hervey. He genuinely sent a coldness up my spine when he stares through the open car window. He beats any Hitchcock director cameo for memorability IMO.

[–] [deleted] 2 years ago

I Iove the persistent sense of dreamy doom throughout the story. The carnival itself has is hauntingly empty.