The Amityville Horror is a tale that has captivated audiences for decades. It’s a story of a young family who moves into a beautiful home, only to discover it’s haunted by dark secrets. But what makes this story even more chilling is the claim that it is based on real events. This article explores the truth behind the Amityville Horror and why it continues to disturb and fascinate us.
Key points
The Story Begins
Imagine finding your dream home. It has large rooms, a stunning view, and a price that seems too good to be true. This is exactly what happened to the Lutz family. They were thrilled to buy a house in Amityville, New York, but soon learned that six members of the previous family had died there under mysterious circumstances. Despite this, the Lutz family decided to move in.
As they settled into their new home, strange things began to happen. The father, played by James Brolin, felt an unusual attachment to an axe. Their priest, Rod Steiger, tried to bless the house but was overwhelmed by a swarm of insects. Their young daughter claimed to see a red-eyed pig as her imaginary friend. The family experienced terrifying visions and loud banging noises, leading them to flee the house.
A Disappointing Experience
I first watched The Amityville Horror in a suburban London theater in February 1980. To be honest, I wasn’t impressed. The film didn’t scare me as much as I had hoped. I jumped when a cat suddenly appeared at the window, but that was about it. I had just come from watching classics like Suspiria, The Omen, and The Exorcist, which set my expectations high.
The marketing claimed the film was based on a true story, which added to the intrigue. But I struggled to understand what I was supposed to be afraid of. Was it a ghost? A poltergeist? A demon? The lack of internal logic in the story left me confused.
The Power of “Based on a True Story”
The idea that the movie was based on real events made it more compelling. The book that inspired the film boldly claimed to be a “true story,” and it became a bestseller before the movie was released. While the film’s marketing avoided making the same claim, many magazine articles reinforced the idea that the Lutz family’s experiences were genuine.
A radio commercial from 1979 emphasized the authenticity of the story, which frightened me more than the movie itself. Despite its shaky foundation, the Amityville Horror franchise became a massive success, spawning sequels, books, and even poorly made TV movies.
A Better Horror Experience
After the original film, I avoided most sequels. However, I found Poltergeist (1982) to be a much better horror film. It featured a family in a haunted home, and the scares were more effective. Directed by Tobe Hooper, the film had impressive visual effects and a cohesive narrative. Unlike the Amityville Horror, it didn’t claim to be based on reality, which made it more enjoyable.
Years later, I learned that the Lutz family’s haunting was likely a hoax. Stephen Kaplan, a serious paranormal investigator, was invited by the Lutz family to investigate their home. He found inconsistencies in their story and noted that the details changed over time. Kaplan believed that some of the strange occurrences could be attributed to the daughter’s dreams, including the infamous pig-demon.
The Ongoing Debate
Despite Kaplan’s findings, the Amityville Horror story continues to be popular. When the 2005 remake starring Ryan Reynolds hit theaters, it still claimed to be “based on actual events.” I was shocked. How could they continue to promote this story as true? The new film was scarier, and Reynolds certainly added a different appeal, but it still felt like a stretch.
In 2012, I watched My Amityville Horror, a documentary featuring an interview with Daniel Lutz, the eldest son of the Lutz family. I hoped he would clarify the truth behind their experiences. To my surprise, Daniel spoke passionately about the strange occurrences, leaving me questioning what was real and what was fabricated.
The Real Tragedy
The original tragedy that sparked the Amityville Horror story is the DeFeo murders. Six members of the DeFeo family were shot and killed in their home one night. It raises many questions. How did the neighbors not hear the gunshots? Why didn’t anyone wake up during the attack? The murders were shocking, and they still capture public interest.
The case has even inspired works of fiction, such as Red Dragon by Thomas Harris. Harris conducted extensive research into real-life murders to create a realistic portrayal of police investigations.
Conclusion
The Amityville Horror remains a fascinating tale, blending elements of horror, tragedy, and mystery. While the Lutz family’s story may be riddled with inconsistencies, the original DeFeo murders continue to intrigue us. The psychological impact on Daniel Lutz and the events that transpired in that house leave us questioning the line between reality and fiction.
As we explore these stories, we must remember that the truth can often be stranger than fiction. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Amityville Horror serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the human fascination with the unknown. If you enjoyed this exploration of the Amityville Horror, please share it with friends and subscribe for more intriguing content! Thank you for reading!
