Directed by:
Stuart RosenbergScreenplay:
Sandor SternCinematography:
Fred J. KoenekampComposer:
Lalo SchifrinCast:
James Brolin, Margot Kidder, Rod Steiger, Don Stroud, Murray Hamilton, John Larch, Natasha Ryan, K.C. Martel, Meeno Peluce, Michael Sacks, Helen Shaver (more)VOD (2)
Plots(1)
Based on terrifying true events, The Amityville Horror tells the story of George and Kathy Lutz who believe they have found the perfect family home on the coast of Long Island. But the house has a shocking history and within its walls a demonic presence lies in wait that will turn the Lutz’s lives into a living nightmare. Their only hope is to get out before it’s too late! (Second Sight)
(more)Reviews (4)
A family moves into a haunted house… Stuart Rosenberg did a workmanlike job of directing the formulaic and hollow screenplay with all of the typical elements: the transformation of the perceptive father into an axe-wielding psychopath (a la The Shining), a priest and a struggle with the devil (The Exorcist). However, both of these storylines run at half-throttle and the film is listless and terribly drawn-out. Of the actors, only Rod Steiger is above average in the role of the priest.
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A beautiful example that haunted-house horror can also be made in a way that won’t put you to sleep. The brutal atmosphere permeates the entire film and gets quite intense by the end. The story never gets boring, which is something truly unprecedented for me in the subgenre. The Amityvile Horror was a very pleasant surprise and on a completely different level when compared with the remake. 9/10
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Surprisingly not a bad haunted house film at all, but the remake had a much better finale. The two hour running time passes quite quickly, the film doesn't get boring, it surprises at times and if the finale hadn't lasted only seven minutes, I'd happily give the film 4 stars. As it is, only 60%.
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The film The Amityville Horror managed to present the story in such a way that it's truly possible to believe it happened, and in the manner it happened. This ultimately leads to the film having a strong impact on the viewer. It's not because there are so many jump scares, but simply because the horror is so well constructed. The casting was excellent as well, with James Brolin truly looking like he could kill in certain moments. Additionally, there's a great scene with an axe, and this was even before Kubrick.
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