As a long-time fan of Guillermo del Toro’s work, I must say that his connection to the genre properties that shaped his visionary storytelling is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in Guadalajara, Mexico, he was exposed to a myriad of bizarre and terrifying experiences that would later influence his dark and imaginative films. One such experience that left an indelible mark on the young del Toro was a made-for-television movie called “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” which aired in 1973.
Guillermo del Toro might be more attached to genre films than any other director active today. His love for these stories is evident, making him an enthusiastic fan at heart. He frequently references the movies, TV shows, and books he enjoyed as a curious child in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Formative experiences, whether joyful, frightening, or somewhere in between, serve as strong foundations for a vibrant imagination, especially for those aiming for careers in creative fields. Early, mysterious encounters imprint on us at a deep level, shaping our identities significantly and, when required, the influences lurking in our subconscious can resurface powerfully. For instance, “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” a TV movie that sent chills down 9-year-old Guillermo del Toro and his siblings in 1973.
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In a 2011 interview with USA Today (which can be found in their archives), the Academy Award-winning creator of Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water recalled that he found the movie they discussed to be the scariest on Earth. This film had been close to his heart for a long time, and its impact during a one hour and 13 minute presentation (originally aired on ABC) was so significant that it later became a feature film in 2010, starring Katie Holmes, Guy Pearce, and Bailee Madison. Co-written and produced by del Toro, the reimagined movie is now available for streaming on Peacock, with Tory Nixey directing as a comic book artist.
Did you know Guillermo del Toro’s Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark movie was inspired by a TV movie from 1973?
In the movie “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” penned by Nigel McKeand and helmed by John Rowland, we follow the story of Sally Farnham (Kim Darby), a young housewife who finds herself tormented by small, light-sensitive creatures resembling goblins that dwell in her grandparents’ old home’s sealed fireplace. If you ever dreaded a rodent infestation, just imagine being hounded by a horde of miniature monsters with raisin-like heads, attempting to take possession of your very soul.
As a devoted admirer, I must admit that some small-screen films may reveal the limitations of their tight TV budget (occasionally, a boom mic sneaks into the frame, day-for-night shots appear questionable, and the monsters are nothing short of cheesy). However, Rowland masterfully rises above these challenges, crafting an eerie production that’s unlike anything you’ve likely encountered before.
Much of it revolves around Darby delivering a compelling portrayal as a woman slipping into madness. These unnamed creatures possess a mischievous, almost gremlin-esque sense of humor and delight in deceiving their prey before pulling them into the depths of their lair, an ash pit. By the point people recognize the situation, it’s often too late: they’ve added another victim to their count. Sally’s escalating insanity is fueled by her struggle for validation, particularly from her workaholic husband, Alex (Jim Hutton). Whether this was intentional or not, Hutton’s role echoes the classic “Twilight Zone” episode “And When the Sky Was Opened,” where he played a helpless character influenced by mysterious forces beyond the ordinary.
In the 1973 version of “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” the ambiance is exceptionally well done. With limited resources for special effects, Rowland skillfully employs visual and auditory hints to create a sense of these creatures as an ominous force lurking in the now-unsettling house. A mysterious green light signals their presence in a room, and before they’re actually seen on screen, we hear them whispering uneasily, a sound that can send chills down anyone’s spine.
Despite being evidently costumed characters with large suits, there is an unsettling quality about their shriveled, pointed heads; hollowed-out eye sockets; and furry, sturdy bodies. Essentially, they meet the fundamental criterion for monster aesthetics: they resemble nothing that has ever been or should be, and they are genuinely frightening. For a child who is still learning about the world and conscious of avoiding the edge of the bed, they are pure material for nightmares.
Indeed, “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” can be seen as a skillfully crafted enigma, a blend of low-budget charm and high-production value typical of modern network films. It’s a horror camp-fest that manages to give you the creeps, even as you suspect it’s all just a clever fabrication. Despite your knowledge that the strange sounds coming from behind the skirting board are probably just a mouse, an unsettling doubt still lingers.
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2024-10-15 23:16