Exploring Witches of Time
Day 15 we looked into original vs. remake with a focus on the Candyman movie in Candyman FaceOff, on Day 16 of 31 Days of Horror Movie Challenge: Witches of Time, we will explore three films surrounding one of the biggest subjects in horror films and Halloween history, Witchcraft. Witchcraft in horror films has woven its spell across the cinematic landscape, transcending time with its eerie allure. Exploring this enchanting theme unveils the distinct techniques employed by filmmakers in different eras. A first look is 1960’s Black Sunday, directed by Mario Bava that epitomizes 1960s gothic horror. With its atmospheric black-and-white cinematography and gothic visuals, this film not only tells the tale of a revenge-seeking witch but also left a legacy on Italian horror cinema.
Fast forward to the late 1990s, where The Blair Witch Project shook the horror scene. Directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, this found footage horror film takes us into the Black Hills Forest. Its innovative use of the found footage format and minimal budget created a sensation, birthing the found footage subgenre. In more contemporary horror, 2015’s The Witch, directed by Robert Eggers, set in 1630s New England, the film blends historical accuracy with psychological horror, delving into themes of witchcraft and familial dread. These three films, each from a different time period, stand as milestones in the history of witchcraft-themed cinema, a perfect fit for Day 16 of 31 Days of Horror Movie Challenge: Witches of Time.