<p>Black Christmas </p>
<p>A film review by Jason Pitt </p>
<p>For Critical-film.com </p>
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<p>If you look back to the original films that set the standard, and best define the modern slasher film, a number of titles will no doubt be mentioned. “A Nightmare on Elm Street ” was released in 1984, and is often unfairly grouped within this particular sub-genre. The film is a little to intelligent to be pigeonholed within any particular group, yet is considered one of the most influential horror/slasher films of all time. Prior to that, in 1980, the original “Friday the 13 th ” was released, and is considered by many to be the quintessential slasher film. It has all the basic characteristics of a successful slasher: extreme violence, a healthy dose of nudity, and in the later instalments, what would be considered the most recognizable horror villain of all time. The original film played out more as a thriller, as the identity of the killer was kept secret until the end of the film. </p>
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<p>Predating even “Friday the 13th ” is perhaps the most effective and well made horror film of all time. John Carpenter's “Halloween” is considered to be the grandfather of all slasher films, and in many ways this is true. It is certainly one of the most influential horror films ever made, yet it drew its formula from another film, as well. Bob Clark's “Black Christmas” is a completely Canadian film which was released in 1974, and is clearly as influential to the genre as any of the other aforementioned films, particularly its direct influence on John Carpenter's “Halloween.” </p>
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<p>The opening scene is shot in the first person, as the films villain crawls to the roof of a girls' sorority house, and makes his way into the attic. He remains in the sorority for the entire duration of the film, unbeknownst to the girls. </p>
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<p>When viewed in comparison to other films of a similar genre, Clark 's film succeeds because he doesn't utilize every aspect of the film to its very excesses. It is as much an exercise in restraint as it is in sheer terror. The films villain is as frightening as he is because he is only witnessed in small doses, and never seen in person, until the films final sequence. We only know his incredibly unsettling voice, which is used to the fullest effect through a series of phone calls made to the girls' sorority. He speaks all sorts of obscenities, and has some particularly bizarre conversations with himself, in which he screams in a terrifically unsettling manner. It will send shivers down your spine. </p>
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<p>I really can't describe how incredibly effective the film is. Nearly every aspect is so well realized, that when it all comes together as a whole, it is completely satisfying. Clark deals much more with suspense than shocks, as is the proper way to create an effective horror film. From the opening shot, we are aware that someone is in the house, yet throughout the film, Clark plays on our fears in the most suspenseful ways possible. We don't know where he is in the house, nor are the girls aware that the man terrorizing them is in their very own sorority house. It's dramatic irony at its most terrifying. </p>
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<p>While I won't go too far into detail, regarding the films ending, I will say it is an ending which is wholly unexpected, and certainly a product of how little we know about the film's antagonist. It works very well, and lacks the closure recent films feel the need to provide to close out the film. There is something to be said for a horror film which respects the effect an open ending can have on a film, and in turn, the audience. </p>
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<p>“Black Christmas” isn't perfect, but it is an essential film, in the establishment of the slasher film as an occasionally respectable sub-genre within the horror film. It is one of the most significant Canadian horror films ever made, and deserves to be seen by any self-respecting horror fan, who has yet to do so. It's too bad Bob Clark's career is essentially folding in on itself, and will end with the man's most significant films caricaturing themselves. Remakes are in the works for both “Black Christmas” (to be released Christmas Day, 2006), and “Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things.” As if directing “Baby Geniuses” and “The Karate Dog” wasn't bad enough… </p>
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<p>(Four Stars) </p>
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