Mockumentary, Analog, Found Footage. I love discovering innovative methods for presenting horror. And you may be as shocked as I was to discover one of the original originals came from our friends across the pond.
Written by horror novelist Stephen Volk and directed by Lesley Manning, “Ghostwatch” debuted on BBC1 on Halloween night, 1992.
Presented as a live television event, with real reporters and a legit BBC call-in number, “Ghostwatch” drew heavy ire at the time. The BBC received 30,000 calls from distressed and angry viewers who believed what they were watching on TV was real. The backlash after the event was akin to the “War of the Worlds” controversy.
It was the first and only time “Ghostwatch” ever aired in the UK.
Tune in Tonight!
Michael Parkinson is hosting a live event on Halloween night. He and his Ghostwatch team will be investigating a supposedly haunted house.
The Early family consists of Pamela (Brid Brennan) and her two young daughters (Michelle and Cherise Wesson). The Early’s claim their house is experiencing paranormal phenomenon.
Dr. Lin Pascoe (Gillian Bevan), a parapsychologist and true believer in the supernatural, joins Parkinson on set. Investigative reporter Sarah Greene will be inside the house, interviewing and spending the night with the family.
Mike Smith (Greene’s real-life husband) will oversee the phone-in line; Ghostwatch has asked the public to call in and share their own ghost stories live on-air. Comedian Craig Charles is on the street outside the home, interviewing various locals he encounters.
The Horror elements are subtle at first. The kids hear noises; the mom feels a presence. One caller claims they saw a figure in the bedroom and wants the footage reviewed. Things escalate as the night goes on, but never strays too far from reality, which works considering the setup.
I loved one scene where daughter Suzanne speaks with an inhuman demonic voice. It’s chilling, perfect horror.
Seems legit
Sir Michael Parkinson (who earned a knighthood in 2008) maintained a powerful written, radio, and television presence throughout his half-century career. Millions widely regard him as one of the most influential media figures in UK history. I had never heard of him but damn, he is British and believable!
Likewise, Sarah Greene started her television career in 1980 and remains active to this day. She’s my favorite character in the film, having the typical enthusiasm of a sideline reporter.
As I watched, I tried placing myself at that time. Had I turned on the TV one night and saw Dan Rather talking about a haunted house, I would believe it. “Ghostwatch” came out before countless haunted house paranormal type investigative shows. The production achieves a verisimilitude that modern creators cannot replicate.
The Influence
There’s no doubt the style of “Ghostwatch” brought us “The Blair Witch Project,” “Paranormal Activity,” and a favorite of mine, “Host.”
I read that filmmaker Rob Savage was so inspired, the opening scene of “Host” displays the Zoom participant ID number 31101992—a direct reference to October 31, 1992, the broadcast date of “Ghostwatch.”
The Controversy
I loved reading that the BBC was “besieged” with phone calls. People watching the event truly believed what they were witnessing was real, and that’s exactly what the creators wanted.
British newspapers criticized the production, specifically moments where the kids and the hosts are in peril.
Lighten up. LOL!
“Ghostwatch” is an excellent horror movie. It won’t scare you like a modern flick, and that’s what makes it so good. No jumps, no garbage score, no famous actors.
It should be enjoyed for its found footage style slow burn and as an integral piece in the evolution of horror cinema.
