Episode 125 - The Amityville Horror (1979)

100 Horrors

The 1979 film "The Amityville Horror" is a horror movie directed by Stuart Rosenberg and based on a 1977 novel of the same name by Jay Anson. The film is loosely inspired by the alleged supernatural events that occurred in a house located at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York, in 1974. These events were reported by the Lutz family, who claimed to have experienced a series of disturbing and paranormal occurrences shortly after moving into the house.

The film stars James Brolin as George Lutz and Margot Kidder as Kathy Lutz, a newlywed couple who move into the infamous house with Kathy's three children from a previous marriage. As they settle into their new home, they begin to experience a range of eerie and terrifying phenomena, including strange noises, unexplained odors, and disturbing visions. As the paranormal activity intensifies, George becomes increasingly aggressive and distant, and the family's well-being is put at risk.

The movie builds tension through a combination of supernatural occurrences and psychological horror, as the Lutz family's sanity is tested by the malevolent forces they believe are haunting their home. It explores themes of family, possession, and the thin line between reality and the supernatural.

"The Amityville Horror" was a commercial success upon its release, capitalizing on the popularity of supernatural horror films during that era. However, it received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its atmosphere and scares while others criticized its pacing and reliance on familiar horror tropes.

The film's success led to a series of sequels, spin-offs, and remakes, but the original 1979 adaptation remains one of the most well-known renditions of the Amityville haunting story. It's worth noting that while the film is loosely based on real events, much of the story has been embellished and sensationalized for dramatic effect, and the actual veracity of the claims made by the Lutz family has been widely disputed.