Crimson Peak (2015) - Halloween Weekend Extravaganza Part 1

I know I have a been a bit slow in my blogging lately. I blame the classes I am teaching for using up my "free" time. So I decided I owe it to my readers, both of you, to go for broke this Halloween weekend and try to post as many new horror reviews as I can. Let's see how I do.

Under the entry for "Directors that can do no wrong" please see this photo of Guillermo del Toro:

While I started seeing his films from Devil's Backbone (2001) and Blade II(2002), I will admit that I wasn't totally a fan until Hellboy (2004). Add Pan's Labyrinth (2006) and Pacific Rim (2013) and I am sold. All I need to hear is that Guillermo is involved and I am in. From the first poster images and teaser trailers, I knew I would love Crimson Peak (2015). It was beautiful and creepy all at once. Unfortunately, the release timed out with my recent shoulder surgery and I wasn't able to make it to the theater. I finally picked up the Blu-Ray a month or so ago and I can confirm that my initial reaction was spot on. I loved it.

A rare and truly original story in today's world of remakes and re-imaginings, Crimson Peak is the tale in Victorian America of a strong and independent woman who dreams of being a novelist but is intrigued by a mysterious man from abroad. This man lives in a decaying family estate that houses even more secrets, including his bizarre sister and some very demanding spirits.

The film is layered with a masterfully unfolding mystery that keeps the viewer enthralled. The amazing sense of style by both the historical era and gothic story are enhanced by the wonderful set design and costuming. Del Toro always has an amazing eye for details and patterns in his work. Check out the special features to hear him talk about the design work on the film. I also love how the beautiful imagery that the the analogy of the clay that covers the family grounds, and is ensnaring the home itself, gives us a constant backdrop of blood red. It can't help but make a viewer recall the 1971 Amicus Pictures classic, The House That Dripped Blood.

Another visual aspect I loved of the film was the beautifully subtle ghost images. When we see the actual ghosts, they are shown in a refreshingly new way that is horrifying and feels corporal. This approach gives their sequences a visceral feel.

I definitely appreciate that the protagonist of the story is a strong and determined woman in a time when women were only just starting to find independence ... that is, if they lived in a wealthy enough family to afford an education. She is a smart, literate and intelligent woman who throws it all away for love - especially when nothing else is left of her old life. You can see how this one man has turned her entire life upside down (even more so than she realizes).

So much of the movie reminded me of two modern gothic classics that I adore: Francis Ford Coppola's Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) and Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow (1999). Del Toro is a man that wears his fandom on his sleeve. Much like Tarantino, every one of his films is an ode to a genre that he grew up loving. You can tell his love for the old fashioned, Victorian horror films that would star actors like Vincent Price, Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing.  As for his own catalog, this film has more in common with Pan's Labyrinth for its dark fantasy than most of his other films. I love to see del Toro get Hollywood to back not only an original story, but a period piece to boot!

One drawback is when you start to recognize the actors from their recent genre films. Then the story becomes "That time Loki fell in love with Alice from Wonderland, but the Jaeger pilot was already in love with her." Once you get past this, though, it is a great journey.

Ok, so I think I have gushed enough about this one. Obviously I would recommend this film to anyone that loves gothic horror, dark fantasy and beautiful Victorian era stories. Enjoy!

imdb link for Crimson Peak

Crimson Peak - Official Theatrical Trailer [HD]