Friday 28 October 2022

Poltergeist (1982 Tobe Hooper)

Well, it's a Spielberg film, surely. A smartarse like me thinks he recognises scenes Spielberg directed e.g. on top of the hill by the graveyard. Why? Long takes - Spielberg's 'oners'. He co-wrote and produced it, and the whole film really seems to have its gestation in that scene in Close Encounters where the boy is fascinated by the moving toys and the light. Yes, it's a film very much about light. And, frankly, remove the scene where the ghostbuster pulls his face off, and it's a kids' film. A Spielberg film, in other words. (Did I mention Michael Khan edited it?)

Anyway, most enjoyable. Craig T Nelson and JoBeth Williams combat the united powers of Industrial Light and Magic (the credits are amusingly old-fashioned, including 'matte painter' and 'wire performer'). It does seem to contain a self-referential sense of humour. And a million ads for George Lucas's Star Wars merchandising empire (strikes back).

Just pull the curtains, for Wilder's sake! And get rid of that clown!

Wonder if this is where J.K.'s aggressive tree came from? It certainly often looks like a Harry Potter film.

Jerry Goldsmith wrote the music. Photographed by Matthew Leonetti.

Above all, it's a powerful warning not to let your kids stay up late watching TV.




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