The Amityville Horror is a 1979 supernatural horror film directed by Stuart Rosenberg. It is based on Jay Anson’s 1977 book of the same name, and tells the story of the Lutz family who move into a house in Amityville which, two years earlier, was the scene of mass murder, when Ronald DeFeo Jr. slaughtered his entire family.
Very quickly, the family begin to experience strange goings-on, so much so that within a month of moving in they end up fleeing the house in fear and leaving all their belongings behind.
There is quite an effective moment early on, when George and Kathy are being shown around the house, and the scenes of them moving from room to room are interspersed with very brief clips of the murders being committed. We know something awful has happened but we do not really know the full extent.
Rod Steiger’s Father Delaney – a family friend – comes to bless the house, and here we get the first glimpse of the strange powers which are at work. The fly infestation, the mysterious voice (“Get out!”), are only the beginning, and the Lutzs soon realise they are not alone.
Events affect George in particular and he displays evidence of being possessed. James Brolin is very good as the troubled George, and his descent into madness is very well done.
Margot Kidder is also good as Kathy, desperately trying to hold her family together in the most trying of circumstances.
My problems with this film is, well, it’s just boring. Don’t get me wrong, there are a couple of good bits (the glowing eyes at the window, the slime oozing from the walls). But I just find so much of it underwhelming that I am genuinely surprised it is held in such high regard.
Not a fan, sadly.
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