By Dave Montalbano
www.adventuresofcinemadave.com/
This summer, movie goers have witnessed the end of the world in World War Z, Man of Steel and Pacific Rim. Given the repeated massive scale of this destruction, a “ho hum” reaction becomes predominant. Meanwhile, on a far smaller and more personal scale, films like The Body (El Cuerpo) and The Conjuring are creating memorable experiences featuring pity and fear.
Released a few weeks ago, The Conjuring has become a sleeper hit, grossing more money than 42, MaMa and Pacific Rim. It is an R-rated family horror movie, a film that will generate discussion over the dinner table and cause a few nightmares for the young. The unnerving factor is that this film is based on a true story in Rhode Island.
Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Elaine Warren (Vera Farmiga) lecture on the subject of “paranormal science” on a New England campus. The husband and wife team have battled ghosts and poltergeists for most of their adult lives. A recent battle with a spirit has weakened Elaine.
Enter the Perron family, who purchased a mansion on a lake in Rhode Island. Roger (Ron Livingston) is a truck driver and Carolyn (Lili Taylor) is housewife with four girls. The house is mostly a fix-me-up and, many things go bump in the night and create havoc for the family.
Despite the Warren’s semiretirement, Carolyn seeks them out at a university lecture. Reluctant at first, Elaine sees how desperate this mother is. As the Warrens confront the entity, Carolyn becomes possessed by the host demon.
Director James Wan (original Saw, Insidious) knows how to direct a terror flick. From the first off-putting shot to the final resolution, he takes the viewer on a spiritual journey. Wan’s shot construction is worthy of a James Whale or Val Lewton masterpiece. The pacing is excellent with a comedy break midway through the motion picture to relieve stress.
Perhaps the success of The Conjuring has been due to the respect shown to the Christian faith. The Warrens confidently battle this demonic apprentice, while the agnostic Perron family suffer the tortures of the damned. The Conjuring does not proselytize, but provides subtle common sense rules.
