'Why do people love this film?' to J. Hill

Well, after watching the special edition DVD, I certainly understand it a little better; but a solid answer to the question Mr. Hill asks in the 'reunion' video poses an interesting problem- it's a bit like trying to figure out why the mona lisa has an enigmatic smile...and *why* we like that aspect...

Now, as a film buff and someone that also writes, acts and directs on occasion, I can honestly say that it was somewhat a question of enormous luck in having a collection of remarkable people to some degree, and I mean all of them, right down to the art direction, sets, etc....but it's also a question of a tight script, original story, and an obvious love of the people involved in the project. The main core of this movie can be summed up rather easily- unconditional love; in fact, that is the most subtle aspect of this movie- and also the most powerful...in a strange way, we begin to accept even the most depraved behaviour because we can excuse it, and what happens to some of the characters is richly deserved! In one sense we have simple innocence- a murderous, dangerous innocence- versus a greedy and worldly force that threatens to seperate them; add to this a tongue-in-cheek dark humor, a tip of the hat to the old 'haunted house' movies, unconditional love, and some of the most solid performances you can imagine plus a script that *never* goes against itself or takes itself seriously, and you have the needed ingredients. I am now very sure this film will become even more popular as time goes on.
The pacing of the film is also tight, almost perfect...even when someone is snooping or just looking at something you still remain fixed on them; and, may I add, the almost total lack of blood and gore make it even more appealing by implying violence, rather than splattering you; Mr. Hill was very clever in this manner of writing, and allows the imagination to do what it does best.
Why do people love 'spider baby'? For the same reason I think the actors and others that worked on this movie loved it: It's just a damned good story...and force of that personal love goes right along with the movie. One reviewer said that "the stars were aligned" when it was made; I guess that's about as good as an explanation as any.
thanks, A

p.s., I have discovered with myself and others that create, regardless of the art form, that we are our *worst critics* when it comes to our work, and, as Gary Larson said of his 'far-side' cartoons when asked if he thought they were 'funny' simply replied "There are some I like, But I'm too 'close to the joke' to enjoy them the way others do"....and THAT is the reason people have trouble finding the charm in thier own work, we are 'too close to the joke'.