The Macabre

What is it about the macabre that intrigues and fascinates me so much? Is it the atmosphere? Is it the darkness? Is it the look? Or is it, in fact, the blood and sometimes gore?

I don't think it is, and I hope it is not the blood and gore. I would be a little disturbed if it were so.

I'm asking because I bought Sweeney Todd this weekend, and so thoroughly enjoyed it. It's not the fact that I enjoyed it so much as it is that I am so drawn to films like it.

I have been a fan of Tim Burton's for many years, Pee Wee's Big Adventure anyone? I think almost all of his movies are great, but the only two I own are Sleepy Hollow and Sweeney Todd. It seems to me a little odd that I choose the two movies with gore to own.

It's not just that. Ever since I was a kid I've gravitated towards dark, bizarre, oft times bloody films and stories. I was a big fan of George Romero's zombie movies. Well, until I realized they were his way of promoting his left wing ideals. I loved Sam Rami's Evil Dead series, with it's dark humor. I still think The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was a great film. I own it and the two remakes, but none of the sequels. Of course I own other films that are similar in one way or another.

As I was watching all the extras on the Sweeney Todd discs I started to wonder about it. It's been on my mind somewhat ever since.

On the redeeming side Hayoa Miyazaki is one of my favorite film makers. His films are usually directed at kids. I wouldn't consider any of his movies macabre. His films usually don't even have any real bad guys.

Mr. Keith