Despite the immense success of Peter Jackson‘s later works, particularly the iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy, his 1996 film The Frighteners remains an underrated gem that failed to achieve the box-office success it truly deserved. Reflecting on Jackson’s diverse filmography showcases the filmmaker’s unique journey through Hollywood, which has always been marked by unexpected twists. Jackson’s career began with quirky low-budget horror comedies, including the cult favorite Bad Taste and the unsettling puppet feature Meet the Feebles.
After experiencing a setback with the shockingly gory zombie comedy Braindead, which underperformed at the box office, Jackson took a dramatic turn in tone with his next project. The 1994 film Heavenly Creatures, a harrowing true story about two troubled teenage girls and the murder they committed in 1983, garnered critical acclaim and introduced audiences to burgeoning talents like Kate Winslet and Melanie Lynskey. However, Jackson’s willingness to explore varied genres and tones would continue to evolve even after the success of Heavenly Creatures.
The Frighteners Deserves More Recognition
A Misunderstood Film Before a Major Franchise
Jackson shifted gears by directing The Frighteners, originally conceived as a spinoff from the acclaimed Tales from the Crypt anthology series. Although it was initially planned to be helmed by the renowned Robert Zemeckis, Jackson’s vision transformed it into a unique horror-comedy. The film’s premise centers around Frank, played by Michael J. Fox, a former architect who gains the dubious ability to communicate with the deceased following his wife’s murder. He exploits this talent to con homeowners into paying for ghostly exorcisms.
Unfortunately, The Frighteners was a financial disappointment, with a production budget of $26 million but only recovering $29 million. Despite receiving positive reviews from critics upon its release and earning a place in the cult classic category over the years, its initial reception was likely hindered by its unconventional narrative. Fox’s character is not your typical hero; his portrayal of Frank as a cynical antihero might not have resonated universally with audiences, compounded by the film’s bizarre tone and whimsical violence.
Why The Frighteners Remains Worth Watching
An Engaging Mix of Humor and Horror
Viewers should make an effort to revisit The Frighteners, as it showcases Jackson’s ambitious approach to blending horror with comedy, albeit in an imperfect package. With the rise of contemporary Kiwi horror comedies such as What We Do in the Shadows and Housebound, modern audiences might find the film’s dark humor and quirky premise more accessible now than in its original release. Furthermore, the film features some of the earliest special effects created by Weta Digital, making it a fascinating watch for fans of visual effects; the humor and cartoonish elements of its grotesque ghostly characters remain captivating even today.
The presence of a talented supporting ensemble cast, including Jeffrey Combs, Dee Wallace Stone, Jake Busey, and R. Lee Ermey, enhances the film’s appeal. Its style, at times reminiscent of Tales from the Crypt, incorporates ludicrous characters and violence, while Danny Elfman’s captivating score contributes to a Tim Burton-esque atmosphere in certain scenes. Although The Frighteners may not fully achieve the comedic or frightful heights possible, it nevertheless illustrates Jackson’s innovative capabilities in filmmaking prior to the major acclaim of Lord of the Rings.