Horror Double Feature: To Die For & The Others

In today’s Shocktober Double Feature, we have Nicole Kidman (X2!), a murderous weathergirl, Jersey ghosts, and photosensitive children! It’s To Die For and The Others!

TO DIE FOR (1995)

The phenomenal success of programs such as The Jerry Springer Show and American Idol amply demonstrates that people in this country are more than willing to suffer any number of indignities just to get their kissers up there on the TV screen. But who would be willing to go to the lengths that Suzanne Stone resorts to, in 1995’s To Die For? Based on Joyce Maynard’s 1992 novel, which was itself based on the real-life story of Pamela Smart, a teacher who got four kids to liquidate her husband in 1990, the film takes place in the appropriately named town of Little Hope, N.H., where Suzanne, superbly played by Nicole Kidman, seduces a dim-witted teen (Joaquin Phoenix) to do away with likable but too family-oriented hubby Matt Dillon, all so that she can continue on with her job as weathergirl at a jerkwater cable station. Kidman is in full sexpot mode here, and her remarkable performance – requiring her to be by turns sexy, sly, conniving, manipulative, tough, dumb, pathetic and bitchy – is an Oscar-worthy one. (She had to settle for a Golden Globe.) Buck Henry’s darkly comedic script is fascinating and slyly funny, and supporting players such as Illeana Douglas, Wayne Knight, Dan Hedaya and (the uncredited) George Segal all get their moments to shine. The film ultimately leaves the viewer with a feeling of sadness, as we realize that the cult of celebrity and 15-second fame has claimed several more victims. “What’s the point of doing anything if nobody’s watching?” is Suzanne’s credo, and, as with Norma Desmond in 1950’s Sunset Blvd., the television cameras that point at her, as she descends the courthouse steps, are their own reward. Who cares if she’s just been indicted for murder? She’s on TV!!!

THE OTHERS (2001)

With its sterling reputation as one of the best cinematic ghost stories since 1963’s The Haunting, Alejandro Amenabar’s 2001 film The Others was one that this latecomer plopped into his DVD player with great anticipation. And I am happy to report that all the positive word of mouth is right on the money, and that this really is some kind of great work. As most folks seem to have already discovered, The Others takes place on the isle of Jersey in 1945, where Grace (superbly played by Nicole Kidman) awaits the homecoming of her soldier husband, whilst caring for her “photosensitive” children and breaking in some new domestic help. Soon, though, Grace’s worries are greatly added to by strange noises upstairs, the sound of a sobbing child, and the tinkling of a piano in an empty room. It would seem that her lavish mansion has been invaded by … spirits? Featuring an endlessly fascinating story line, interesting characters, fine production values, a creeping sense of dread and a good number of jolts, The Others really does make for a top-notch, classy horror movie. Amenabar not only wrote the screenplay for and directed this great picture, but also provided the film’s lovely/creepy score. (The man must be some kind of a friggin’ genius!) Fionnula Flanagan (who, incidentally, impresses me no end by dint of her having appeared on three Star Trek series!) is marvelous here as the housekeeper, Mrs. Mills; how wonderful to see her and Kidman giving two very Oscar-worthy performances in their many shared scenes. The picture features an absolutely brilliant ending that I was not prepared for (those who have read E.F. Benson‘s 1923 story “Mr. Tilley’s Seance” will perhaps appreciate this ending even more), and that final shot of Kidman and her children in an upstairs window is just … haunting. I found this film even better and deeper on a repeat viewing. More than highly recommended.

COMING ATTRACTIONS: Creepy castle crypts! A 200-year-old bloodsucker! Surfing dudes! Bikini babes! It’s The Playgirls and the Vampire and The Beach Girls and the Monster, in the Shocktober Double Feature #16…