The first Amityville Horror film, officially titled The Amityville Horror, was released on July 27, 1979, bringing to the silver screen the chilling story based on Jay Anson’s purportedly true book. This initial adaptation ignited a cultural phenomenon and spawned a franchise that continues to captivate audiences with its blend of purported paranormal activity and psychological terror.
The Genesis of Amityville: From Page to Screen
The story of the Amityville Horror began, ostensibly, with the Lutz family moving into 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York, in December 1975. Just 13 months prior, Ronald DeFeo Jr. had murdered his parents and four siblings in the same house. The Lutz family’s account of the 28 days they spent in the house, plagued by alleged demonic occurrences, formed the basis of Anson’s book, published in 1977. The subsequent film adaptation brought these claims to a wider audience, setting the stage for a lasting legacy in the horror genre.
The 1979 film, directed by Stuart Rosenberg and starring James Brolin and Margot Kidder as George and Kathy Lutz, became a box office smash. Its success cemented the Amityville story’s place in popular culture, despite ongoing controversy surrounding the authenticity of the Lutz family’s claims. The film expertly crafted a sense of dread and psychological torment, drawing viewers into the perceived horrors of 112 Ocean Avenue.
Diving Deeper: Frequently Asked Questions About The Amityville Horror
Here, we address some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the original Amityville Horror film and its place in the larger Amityville narrative.
1. Was The Amityville Horror (1979) Based on a True Story?
This remains one of the most hotly debated aspects of the Amityville Horror story. The film is based on Jay Anson’s book, which claimed to be a non-fiction account of the Lutz family’s experiences. However, numerous investigations and testimonies have cast significant doubt on the veracity of their claims. While the DeFeo murders are undeniably true, the supernatural events described by the Lutz family are widely considered to be exaggerated or fabricated. The level of truthfulness is therefore highly contested.
2. Who Played George and Kathy Lutz in the Original Film?
James Brolin portrayed George Lutz, the patriarch struggling with a descent into paranoia and possibly demonic influence. Margot Kidder played Kathy Lutz, the wife and mother attempting to hold her family together amidst the escalating horrors. Their performances are largely credited with contributing to the film’s success and its lasting impact on the horror genre.
3. What Were Some of the Notable Special Effects Used in the Original Amityville Horror?
While not relying on extensive CGI (as it wasn’t readily available at the time), the film utilized practical effects to create a sense of unease and terror. Notable effects included:
- The pig-like creature in the window: This chilling image became iconic and was achieved through practical makeup and prosthetics.
- Doors slamming shut: A simple yet effective technique used to create suspense and suggest paranormal activity.
- Blood oozing from the walls: This effect was achieved using carefully controlled spills and camera angles.
- The recurring fly infestation: While unsettling, this effect was relatively straightforward to execute, contributing to the feeling of decay and uncleanliness.
4. How Successful Was The Amityville Horror (1979) at the Box Office?
The film was a massive commercial success. Despite mixed reviews from critics, it grossed over $86 million domestically on a relatively small budget, making it one of the highest-grossing horror films of its time. This financial success solidified the Amityville story as a cultural phenomenon and ensured the production of numerous sequels and spin-offs.
5. Did the Real Lutz Family Profit from the Amityville Horror Story?
Yes, the Lutz family profited from the book and the subsequent film adaptation. They received a portion of the royalties from the book sales and were reportedly involved in negotiations regarding the film rights. However, the exact amount they earned is not publicly known. The controversy surrounding the authenticity of their story added to its allure, undoubtedly contributing to the financial success they experienced.
6. Where Was The Amityville Horror (1979) Filmed?
While the story is set in Amityville, New York, the actual house used for exterior shots in the 1979 film was located in Toms River, New Jersey. The house was modified to resemble the distinctive Dutch Colonial style of 112 Ocean Avenue. Interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage.
7. What are Some of the Key Differences Between the Book and the 1979 Film?
While the film largely follows the plot of the book, there are some notable differences. The film often intensifies the horror elements and simplifies certain plot points for cinematic effect. The psychological torment experienced by George Lutz is more pronounced in the film, and some of the more outlandish claims from the book are toned down or omitted altogether. The film also takes certain dramatic liberties to enhance the storytelling.
8. What is the “Amityville Hoax” Theory?
The “Amityville Hoax” theory posits that the Lutz family, along with their lawyer William Weber, fabricated the supernatural events described in the book and film for financial gain and notoriety. Weber himself later admitted that he helped create and embellish the story. Skeptics point to inconsistencies in the Lutz family’s account, as well as a lack of corroborating evidence, as support for this theory.
9. How Many Amityville Horror Movies Have Been Made?
Including remakes and spin-offs, there are over 20 films associated with the Amityville Horror franchise. These films vary greatly in quality and adherence to the original story, ranging from direct sequels to loosely related tales of haunted houses and demonic possession. The sheer volume of films underscores the enduring popularity of the Amityville mythos.
10. What is the Significance of the Red Room in the Amityville Horror Story?
The Red Room, a small, unfinished room in the basement of 112 Ocean Avenue, is a recurring element in the Amityville Horror narrative. In the Lutz family’s account, this room was a focal point of supernatural activity, associated with a malevolent presence. Its significance lies in its symbolic representation of the hidden darkness and evil supposedly residing within the house.
11. How Did the 1979 Film Impact the Horror Genre?
The Amityville Horror (1979) contributed significantly to the rise of the “based on a true story” horror subgenre. Its box office success paved the way for other films that claimed to be based on real-life paranormal events. The film also popularized the concept of a family being terrorized by a haunted house, influencing countless subsequent horror movies. Furthermore, its iconic imagery, such as the pig-like creature and the distinctive house facade, became instantly recognizable and deeply embedded in horror iconography.
12. Are There Any Real-Life Documented Hauntings in Amityville?
While the DeFeo murders are a tragic reality, there is no credible, independently verified evidence of the supernatural events described by the Lutz family or depicted in the films. Amityville, like many towns with a history of tragedy, has its share of local legends and ghost stories. However, these are largely anecdotal and lack scientific validation. The perceived hauntings are primarily associated with the specific events surrounding the Lutz family and the subsequent media attention.