BLACK CHRISTMAS

My first time seeing this film. And, wow! What a darkly haunting film. Psychological terror at its best indeed. Story line: Sorority Sisters are in danger from a sinister--and eerily chilling---caller.

SPOOK FACTOR: High. 1) The caller's voice is insane-asylum material, an out-of-control breathing/laughing/obscene high-pitched tone. You don't want the sound at full volume when he's on the line! 2) Camera Angles: Now I know where John Carpenter got his inspiration for camera footwork in Halloween. Long-winding-turning-oh-so-carefully down the hall and around the corners shots. There aren't jump scares, but the 1st person POV from the villain is eerie enough. Even when characters encounter a murder scene, there is no sudden appearance; instead, Director Bob Clark employs stealthy moving camera play that peeks into a room and eases you into the moment of a character's fate.

The movement of the film is slowly paced, which gives it its edge and allows us to wonder who could possibly be behind these calls. There is plenty of time for contemplation as we move through a plot that very cautiously and quite brilliantly unravels and reveals a surprising conclusion.

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