The opening car race/game of chicken with oncoming traffic probably does not get the respect it should…as is the case for the film as a whole. This psychological thriller debuted after the decline of the two-decade era of American film noir, and only two years after Alfred Hitchcock’s
ultimate classic, “Psycho.” Cynicism, sexual motivations, mysterious and morbid figures, and eerie cinematography all mingled harmoniously to the sounds of an organ-heavy score. This film reeked ‘low budget,’ but it’s superb visual execution, ability to bring a story full-circle, ventures into the unknown, and naturally creepy settings resulted in one hell of a film. “Carnival of Souls” deserves more praise, and I raise a glass or two as a tribute…Cheers!
My favorite quotes:
John Linden: [pours whiskey in his crack-of-dawn morning coffee] What do you think, I’m an alcoholic? I just like to start the day off in a good mood.
Mary Henry: You must be hilarious by noon.
John Linden: [when Mary does not drink the glass of beer he ordered for her at a bar] What’s the matter? Don’t you drink?
Mary Henry: Not really.
John Linden: Well, I do. And not only do I drink really, I really drink.