25 Years Later ...

... Voodoo and Catholicism are still practiced in Haiti. And I've watched Serpent & Rainbow maybe a couple of times (at the most) over the years when it aired on television. However I saw it again recently (like last night), and to me the historic if not cultural value of the plot is pretty convincing.

Twenty-five years ago when I first saw this flick some of the scenes really freaked me out - after all it is a tale of horror. But what is more scary than voodoo, than that of the Tonton Macoute and the rule of the Duvaliers? As an undergrad I knew and was friends with a few Haitian students, and I had the privilege of learning, if not understanding what life was like "back home." And in seeing this movie, over the years brings to bear, if not ratification, as to what was shared by my friends years ago.

To this day I am still a bit skeptical when it comes to the occult, or paranormal events, zombies and the like, but when religion and superstitions and certain cultures collide (or in this case meld) makes for a great plausible tale(s) of horror. Sure there are legends/superstitions in just about every culture; from Transylvania and vampires, to No. America/Asia involving Sasquatch or "Abominable Snowmen," or even the fictional(?) account of Wm. Peter Blatty's, The Exorcist. However, where voodoo and zombies are concerned, I feel that this is much more true to life as it gets.

The plot of the movie is to be commended as with the special effects (of that time). But what haunts me to this day, even after so many years, is the thought that the practice of voodoo, or conversely "Vodun" as well as the fabled ability to cast spells, and capture souls, continues on as it has for generations in a country, in the path, and ravaged, by hurricanes ...Se pou lektè a prekosyon nou?

- DominicD

" ...Well, I stand up next to a mountain - And I chop it down with the edge of my hand - Well, I pick up all the pieces and make an island - Might even raise a little sand..." -- Jimi Hendrix, Voodoo Child