1996 saw the release ofPeter Jackson’sfirst major Hollywood studio production,The Frighteners.
Despite this, the movie was not a hit with moviegoers or critics.
With the shifting cinematic landscape, perhaps now is the perfect time to revisitThe Frighteners.
Image via Universal Pictures
The Frightenersrepresented the culmination ofthe New Zealand filmmaker’s earlier foraysinto lower-budget horror comedies.
The Frightenersexceptionally marries both horror and comedy through its intense macabre imagery and amusing comedic moments.
His comfort working in multiple genres would serve him well later when moving on toThe Lord of the Ringstrilogy.
Image via Universal Pictures
Guess one does rule them all.
AfterThe Frighteners, he embarked on directingThe Lord of the Ringstrilogy, an event that changed blockbuster films forever.
The Lord of the Ringstrilogy elevated Jackson’s career intothe upper echelon of prominent directors.
Later, he directed his dream film, the 2005 blockbuster remake ofKing Kong.
None of it wouldve happened withoutThe Frighteners the film that cracked Hollywoods door open for Jackson.
It’s not a perfect movie or a masterpiece by any means.
Watching the film in theaters when it first came out was a bizarre experience.
At first, it seems like you’re in for a wacky comedy with Michael J.
Fox and a crew of mischievous, eccentric ghosts.
The plot progresses into a harrowing story aboutthe trauma of losing a loved one and near-death experiences.
Combs' casting is pitch perfect, noting his own background with bloody gore-fests, such asRe-Animator.
His role as Agent Dammers acts as a great homage to his horror filmography as well.
The film’s visual depiction of ghosts and malevolent spirits would also evolve into Jackson’s later films.
The malevolent Grim Reaper-like phantom closely resemblesJackson’s depictions of the Nazgul inThe Lord of the Ringstrilogy.
The Frightenersmay not have turned out as initially expected, but it still providedan incredibly entertaining and rewarding experience.
Jackson essentially walked withThe Frightenersso he could learn how to run withThe Lord of the Rings.
Your Rating
Your comment has not been saved
Cast
