Poster of Carnival of Souls

Carnival of Souls

Horror, Mystery

Director: Herk Harvey

Release Date: November 2, 1962

Where to Watch

When I initially saw this film, I thought that it was too dated-like those old educational films about dangers of engaging in certain (anti-social behaviors- and predictable for understandable reasons–it is the forefather of this kind of film (think Jacob’s Ladder), but when I thought about what the cautionary tale was & what I actually didn’t like, I began to think that it was really a subversive, clever & beautifully shot film. So I immediately rewatched Carnival of Souls and had a complete reversal of opinion. I felt an American counterpart to Antonioni vibe. Does the supernatural premise mask the true premise of this film: that in society, a woman who shuns traditional roles is invisible and not a part of life? Particularly given the landlady’s initial frightened response then hostility towards the main character. Also I need queer theorists to get on this film & analyze it along with Selina Kyle in The Dark Knight Rises.

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