The Amityville Horror

The Amityville Horror is a horror classic that has been terrifying audiences for decades. Based on a true story, the book and movie explore the supernatural events that occurred in a haunted house in Amityville, New York. The story has become a cultural phenomenon and has spawned multiple adaptations and sequels. In this review, we'll dive into what The Amityville Horror is all about and what makes it such a terrifying and enduring tale.

The Storyline

The story of The Amityville Horror centers around the Lutz family, who move into a large house in Amityville, New York. The house is known to have a dark history, as the previous occupants were murdered in their sleep by one of their own family members. The Lutz family moves in, despite knowing about the gruesome history, and almost immediately start experiencing strange and terrifying phenomena. The house seems to be haunted by the spirits of the murdered family and other malevolent entities. The family's sanity is slowly eroded as they are subjected to a barrage of ghostly apparitions, unexplained noises, and other unexplainable events.

The book, written by Jay Anson, is presented as a non-fiction account of the Lutz family's experiences in the house. The movie, directed by Stuart Rosenberg, is a fictionalized adaptation of the book. Both the book and the movie are known for their terrifying imagery and gripping storyline.

Themes and Motifs

The Amityville Horror touches on several themes and motifs that are common in horror stories. The most obvious theme is the idea of a haunted house, which has become a staple of the horror genre. The idea that a physical space can be imbued with evil and malevolent energy is a terrifying concept, and The Amityville Horror explores this idea to great effect.

Another theme that is present in The Amityville Horror is the idea of a family under siege. The Lutz family is portrayed as a close-knit and loving family, and the fact that they are under attack from an unseen force makes the horror all the more palpable. The idea of a family being torn apart by an outside force is a common theme in horror, and The Amityville Horror executes it exceptionally well.

The motif of possession is also present in The Amityville Horror. The spirit of the murderer who killed the previous occupants of the house is said to be possessing the house, and this possession leads to the Lutz family being subjected to a variety of supernatural phenomena. The idea of possession is a common motif in horror, and it adds an extra layer of terror to the already terrifying story.

Cinematography and Sound Design

The movie adaptation of The Amityville Horror is known for its effective use of cinematography and sound design to create a truly terrifying experience. The movie is shot in a way that emphasizes the claustrophobic nature of the house, with tight shots and low angles that create a sense of unease. The use of dark lighting and shadow adds to the ominous atmosphere of the movie.

The sound design of The Amityville Horror is also exceptional. The movie is known for its use of strange and otherworldly sounds, such as the sound of flies buzzing and doors slamming shut on their own. These sounds add to the sense of dread and unease that permeates the entire movie.

Impact and Legacy

The Amityville Horror has had a significant impact on both the horror genre and popular culture as a whole. The book and movie were both huge commercial successes and have spawned numerous adaptations and sequels.