Review of Carnival of Souls (1962) by Cassandra M — 20 Dec 2009

Small-town, bleak America, anticipating David Lynch; car crash wreckage, an alluring misfit organist heroine (frenzied performance from the wonderfully named Candace Hilligoss) and delirious, hauntological scenes at a seaside funfair.

A 'serious', middlebrow film like "The Pumpkin Eater" (1964) tries but fails quite to achieve the sense of social isolation evoked here in this eerie, uncanny gem of 'B' movie. It is all the better for being low-budget, using a wistful soundtrack, subtle effects and memorable make-up: the main spectre resembles Luke Haines! A superb film - truly an experience to savour.