As a horror enthusiast with a soft spot for underappreciated gems of yesteryear, I must say that “Let’s Scare Jessica to Death” has been a long-time favorite of mine. Growing up in the 80s and 90s, I was inundated with one-note scream queens and formulaic horror tropes – a stark contrast to the multifaceted complexity of Jessica’s character in this 1971 masterpiece.
Stephen King, a well-known figure in horror literature, has frequently expressed his views on horror films, whether he adores them or dislikes them. However, there is one movie that he declared as “truly, one of the finest ghost stories ever put to film” (as per Horror News). The film in question is Let’s Scare Jessica to Death, which is quite a compliment coming from the renowned master of the macabre. The reasons for this praise become apparent when you consider that the movie delves deeply into paranoia within the context of an intriguing ghost story. Released in the 1970s, this supernatural thriller was also forward-thinking in several aspects and could easily fit well among more stylish productions from A24.
Despite the fact that not everyone may be familiar with “Let’s Scare Jessica to Death“, this film has taken a significant amount of time to gain widespread recognition, having spent decades as a hidden treasure cherished by a passionate group of fans. In this analysis, we will explore why the movie was visionary ahead of its time, how it became buried in obscurity, and the reasons you should consider watching it.
Let’s Scare Jessica to Death (1971) Plot and Cast
After leaving a mental health facility, Jessica, her husband Duncan, and their friend Woody settle in a secluded farmhouse in the countryside to aid Jessica’s recovery. Along the way, they encounter a wanderer named Emily and take a liking to her. Inviting Emily into their group, the quartet sets off for their new home. However, as Jessica experiences bizarre visions and auditory hallucinations, she grows anxious about those around her, particularly Duncan’s relationship with Emily. When they discover the farmhouse’s tragic past involving a bride who drowned in a nearby lake, Jessica’s paranoia intensifies. She becomes increasingly convinced that Emily is a malevolent spirit and questions the authenticity of her new acquaintance.
In this spot, I find myself struggling to grasp the reality of what transpired. It feels surreal, a blend between dreams and nightmares. Am I slipping into madness or clinging to sanity? I can’t seem to tell the difference.
In Let’s Scare Jessica to Death, you’ll find actors who achieved moderate success, particularly in supernatural horror films. The lead roles were played by Zohra Lampert as Jessica, Barton Heyman as Duncan, Kevin O’Connor as Woody, and Mariclare Costello as Emily. This movie was helmed by John D. Hancock, a director who had a relatively small but impactful career, with his most significant achievement being the Oscar-nominated sports drama Bang the Drum Slowly (1973).
How Let’s Scare Jessica to Death Was Ahead of Its Time
The 1971 film “Let’s Scare Jessica to Death” was remarkably innovative in numerous aspects, and it could compete favorably with modern productions from companies like A24 in terms of its thought-provoking and stylish portrayal of horror. Two key factors that distinguish this horror movie from many of its peers are its use of sound and visuals. The Orville Stoeber’s score is incredibly chilling and intricate, emphasizing the tension. This is further enhanced by synthesizer sounds from a trailblazer in the instrument, Walter Sear, which lends the entire soundtrack a forward-thinking quality that effectively conveys dread through an unusual soundscape. The film’s use of atmospheric sounds, voices, creaks, and wind, create an eerie ambiance surrounding Jessica, highlighting the intensity of her increasing paranoia.
In a distant farmhouse backdrop, the autumn landscape presents a charming countryside vista that frequently contrasts with the events surrounding Jessica. This contrast is skillfully achieved through cinematography, employing a hyper-realistic style to make the land appear gloomy even during daylight sequences. The film’s sound design and visuals effectively create an atmosphere of confinement and dread, despite its open setting and instances of joy. It masterfully conveys the sensation of feeling isolated amidst a crowd, as Jessica’s growing doubts about her mental well-being permeate each scene.
In its era, “Let’s Scare Jessica to Death” defies conventional gender roles as the protagonist, Jessica, is not a stereotypical victim but rather a strong-willed individual who stands firm in her convictions despite doubts about her sanity from others. Unlike the flat characters often seen in horror films during the 70s and 80s, Jessica is deeply layered and complex. The film tackles themes that have gained more significance in contemporary horror, such as women’s discomfort in male-dominated spaces, a critique of the ‘hysterical woman’ trope, and an exploration of sexuality from a female perspective through the character of Emily.
The film, “Let’s Scare Jessica to Death,” was crafted by creators who aimed to produce something frightening, yet their aspirations extended beyond just horror. It’s a movie that transcends genre boundaries.
The movie titled “Let’s Scare Jessica to Death” was highly appreciated not just once but twice. In Kier-La Janisse’s 2012 study, “House of Psychotic Women: An Autobiographical Topography of Female Neurosis in Horror and Exploitation Films“, she referred to it as “One of the most delicate masterpieces produced by genre cinema during the ’70s.” Later, esteemed film scholar Kim Newman lauded the movie in a BFI article and even placed it among the top ten all-time great films ever made!
Let’s Scare Jessica to Death Took a Long Time to Gain Appreciation
Let’s Scare Jessica to Death achieved something extraordinary, as the film initially conceived as a hippie comedy morphed into the genre-blending horror phenomenon it is today. This groundbreaking horror movie from the era was both unique and profound, which might explain why some have never heard of it. The movie had a tepid theatrical run and for decades was seldom accessible, only on Betamax and VHS formats.
In the United Kingdom, the film Let’s Scare Jessica to Death received an inappropriate X rating, which hindered its chances for wider circulation. This horror film didn’t become available on DVD until 2006, a full 35 years after its initial premiere. Even this release was minimal, lacking the necessary upgrades and Blu-ray version until as late as 2020.
Despite a passionate fan base for the ’70s horror movie, it was still lost and rarely praised. Fan sites were demanding its release, as many yearned for it to receive the recognition it deserved. Fortunately, today’s viewers can easily watch the film, titled “Let’s Scare Jessica to Death,” on platforms like Pluto TV and Hoopla, or rent it from Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, or YouTube.
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2024-09-26 23:31