Carnival Of Souls
A tragic car accident, a mysterious abandoned carnival, a lost young woman, and a foreboding black and white atmosphere are all parts of the obscure indie horror film, Carnival of Souls. Carnival of Souls was a 1962 black and white film by director Herk Harvey, starring Candace Hilligoss. The story follows the main character, Mary, played by Hilligoss, who after becoming the sole survivor of a car accident, moves to a new town after accepting a job as a church organist. When she arrives to this new town, she finds herself drawn to an abandoned carnival structure nearby.
A film that at first seems normal with a group of young people enjoying a drive soon turns tragic with the car accident that kills Mary’s friends. What follows is a surreal journey through miraculous lone survivor Mary's life as she travels to a new town to start a new job all the while being dogged by frightening, grim figures everywhere she looks. It's hard to truly describe or explain this film but it's certainly worth checking out, as it is masterfully made considering its $30,000 budget and simple independent production. This film proves that it's not the money or fancy production that makes a film but the director and what is put into it. Director Herk Harvey manages to create a thoroughly atmospheric film with striking visuals and a haunting score that will stay with you. This film is very efficient in its use of the “less is more” approach, similar to another 1960s film, The Haunting. The film manages to chill the audience even without fancy effects or over the top scares. You are put in Mary’s shoes, as you know no more than she does and often feel the same confusion from the many twists and turns that her story takes. The abandoned carnival building that inspired the whole film is an amazing set piece with an intriguing silhouette that will draw you into its mystery as well.
Even though it may not be a very well-known film, it undeniably influenced future films and filmmakers, especially in the horror genre. It’s been reported that the surreal style of this film was very influential to famous director David Lynch, who is best known for his surreal, unique, and mind-bending films such as Blue Velvet, the upcoming SLC showing, Mulholland Dr, and the cult classic 90s television series, Twin Peaks. When you watch this film, you will see why. another familiar part of this film might be the look of the ghouls who continuously seem to pursue Mary, which might remind one of the flesh-eating ghouls in George A. Romero's 1968 zombie classic, Night of the Living Dead. Whether these similarities are coincidental or not isn't clear, but they are there.
If you are fan of obscure movies, horror films, the strange and unusual, or are just looking for an interesting film to watch, then I would very much recommend taking a chance on Carnival of Souls. It is a unique film that will lead you through a surreal and intriguing journey you won't soon forget, regardless of whether you ultimately end up liking it or not. Carnival of Souls is as much an experience as it is a film, and if you are just looking to turn something on and go along for the ride, you won't be disappointed.
Carnival of Souls is available on:
HBO Max with a subscription
Tubi TV for free
Amazon Prime
Further reading or videos if you are interested and want to learn more:
https://nofilmschool.com/2016/10/how-carnival-souls-bridges-art-house-and-horror
https://filmschoolrejects.com/enduring-influence-carnival-souls/
https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/why-carnival-of-souls-is-the-greatest-one-hit-wonder-in-horror
Written By: Victoria Weaver
Art By: Serik Bybee | Instagram
