As Halloween approaches, many seek classic horror films for their home movie nights. Among them, the 1977 fantasy horror film House stands out for its unique blend of surrealism and horror. The film’s premise follows a girl who visits her aunt for the summer, accompanied by six friends, shortly after her father announces his intention to marry a peculiar woman. Upon arrival at the countryside home, strange supernatural events begin to occur.
House, directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi, is noted for its distinct visual style, attributed to both the director and his co-writer, Chigumi Ôbayashi, who was only ten years old at the time. Nobuhiko emphasized the differences in creative perspectives between adults and children, arguing that children are drawn to the strange and mysterious, which ultimately shapes the film’s narrative.
The movie uniquely shifts tonal elements, transitioning from family drama to slapstick and early developments of Japanese horror. Its visuals juxtapose playful animations with graphic imagery, including dismembered heads, while remaining rooted in folklore. This combination leads to a narrative that addresses trauma through a lens of absurdity.
Described as difficult to categorize, House elicits a range of reactions. One review noted it as “too absurd to be genuinely terrifying, yet too nightmarish to be merely comic.” This striking balance appears to have influenced later works, such as Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead 2 and elements of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks. Many viewers find themselves questioning the film’s surreal narrative long after viewing, leading to its status as a cult classic. For those who have yet to experience it, House presents a unique offering in the horror genre, challenging traditional expectations.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/798719/watch-japanese-horror-fantasy-film-house-halloween