I've just discovered another outstanding, very '70s film that I can't resist recommending. It's a horror movie called Carrie. Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, the movie tells the story of 16-year-old Carrie White, a social outcast who's mom is a fanatical adherent to the teachings of the Christian purity movement (which is a real thing, incidentally). To characterize the kind of abuse this brings upon her, Carrie's mom teaches her that her first period, which she experienced in the school shower, was caused by sin and locks her in an altar-like "prayer closet" to beg for forgiveness for experiencing. This kind of extremely repressive upbringing has rendered Carrie the frequent victim of public humiliation and bullying at school, an especially cruel episode of which begins when she is set up to attend the prom with a handsome and popular boy.
It's tough to capture the appeal of this film in words. It's very much the absence of slickness and stylization -- the down-to-Earth crudeness of everything about the presentation -- that makes this one of the most powerful horror movies I've ever seen. With a simple look, the protagonist legitimately terrifies you.
I'd heard of this movie before, but hadn't gotten around to checking it out until now. Really powerful stuff! It might just be my new favorite movie from 1976, displacing Taxi Driver (not sure yet) even! I can absolutely see why it has resonated with so many people and enjoyed a cult fandom ever since it first hit theaters. Strongly recommended.
Last edited by Jaicee - on 04 July 2021
