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Halloween may have come and gone, but that doesn't mean we can't still talk about a classic thriller for the spooky season!
As I've mentioned a few times, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. While it's chiefly regarded for its mysterious nature and macabre attitude, I prefer its sillier side, exploring unknown territory and letting loose for a little while. Also, despite what some may say, you're never too old to dress up in elaborate or subtle costumes.
The list of classic movies to enjoy on Halloween is by no means a short one, and I do have a few regular favorites. Today, however, I'd like to tell you about a more recent discovery I made. A classic film from one of my favorite directors that not only has a captivating story with a surprise performance from a classic Hollywood star but also encompasses the true nature of Halloween without resorting to spookhouse scares or elaborate frights (glorious and enjoyable though they are at times).
Today, we're looking at a masterclass of a psychological thriller by director John Frankenheimer, Seconds.
The story follows a middle-aged banker named Hamilton (John Randolph) who is incredibly unhappy and dissatisfied with how things have turned out for him despite having a decent life. He waddles through his life with no hope of change. That is until he gets a call from an old friend with an opportunity at a new life, except his old friend had been dead for some time. Despite this shocking revelation, Hamilton goes to the location given to him by his friend and discovers what this new "opportunity" really is.
It turns out that a secret organization offers wealthy enough clients the chance at a brand new life. For a hefty fee, they will fake your death, change your face & voice, and provide you with a new identity, complete with a home and a new profession, based on your evaluation.
Hamilton accepts the offer and is transformed into a younger man, given the name Wilson (Rock Hudson), and granted a luxurious house by the beach. All seems well despite Hamilton's difficulty adjusting to his new life. Made all the more strenuous by his newly-found desire to better understand his past mistakes so he may do better in this new life, but the company rules stipulate that no such action is allowed. Will Hamilton find solace in his new life, or will he soon regret his decision?
What makes this movie such a perfect Halloween film, and a great film in general, is the surreal visuals, engaging story, and direct commentary on the human condition. All of these make the film, in my opinion, a genuine horror experience.
Horror has gained a terrible reputation (unfairly) as being all about gore and jump scares with elaborate monsters and horrific blood splatter. While that is part of the horror identity, it is a mere fraction of the overall genre. True horror is in the exploration and presentation of the aspects of the human condition that many of us choose to ignore or deny. In other words, being confronted with our fears and how we choose to react.
Seconds examines this phenomenon by asking, what would you do if you could start over? Would you embrace the new beginning and leave your old self behind, or would you be tempted to try and do better based on your old mistakes? The movie takes this concept further by asking if you would be willing to risk the consequences of either action. While I won't spoil exactly how this film explores that idea, nor what the consequences are, I will say that I found its creative choices spot on.
The cinematography is by far one of the many highlights of this gem. Photographed by James Wong Howe, the film incorporates many unusual and fascinating camera tricks that were likely ahead of their time. One particular trick is the use of what's known as the snorricam.
This device attaches the camera directly to the subject's body, creating an effect of disorientation wherein the subject appears stable and almost stationary. At the same time, the whole world around the subject is in constant motion. Creating an effect that is unsettling and a little crazy.
The performances are the film's greatest strength. Rock Hudson delivers a tour de force that showcases his acting ability. Rock Hudson tried to expand and demonstrate his potential range when most leading men didn't have much opportunity to do anything outside of looking glamorous. A defect of the Hollywood system to this day.
Seconds is a must-watch for any Halloween movie night or any screening event. It has an engaging story with striking visuals and a valuable lesson about life that everyone should take to heart. It will be a proud addition to your film library.
Check this one out.
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.
