“Editorial Exploration: Re-evaluating Friday the 13th – Unveiling the Timeless Appeal of an Original Teen Horror Classic”

Film Review: Friday the 13th

Original teen horror classic now looks bizarrely innocent

Last modified on Thursday, October 12, 2023, 13:44 BST

Sean S Cunningham’s teen horror classic from 1980 is now rereleased: this is the original movie, the ancestral prequel or origin myth machine-tooled to create a franchise, that readies the noisome and mostly offscreen figure of Jason Voorhees as an almost supernatural surviving villain of the future series – although this went against the idea of his supposed death in this film as the premise for a more rational psychological thriller.

This franchise clearly arose from the wild popularity of John Carpenter’s Halloween, although Friday the 13th openly borrows from a much more venerable model, Hitchcock’s Psycho, in the screeching Herrmannesque strings and the oedipal complex behind the horror – although this one being rather ingeniously showed from the point of view of the mother, Mrs Pamela Voorhees, played by Betsy Palmer.

The Slow Action and Edenic Paradise

The action of the movie now seems markedly, even experimentally slow, as the summer camp counsellors (that is, the young adult supervisors hired to look after the children) show up early on the fateful date to help with last-minute building and decorating work on the recently re-opened Camp Crystal Lake in New Jersey. The site is an Edenic paradise but notorious for being the location of an unsolved 1958 murder of two teenagers who were having sex; this outrage is shown in flashback from the killer’s point of view.

Grisly Killings and the “Final Girl”

The young people in the present day (including a fresh-faced Kevin Bacon) fulfil their narrative function by hanging around in swimsuits or underwear until they are picked off one by one, generally with gruesome prosthetics work: seeping slash wounds on the throat and a decapitation revealing a horribly meaty circular stump. And of course there is the “final girl”: the character who is revealed to have artistic skills and a more substantial inner life, and whose final ordeal takes place on the rippling lake itself.

Broad Comedy and Fanbase Appeal

Plus there is broad comedy in the figure of Crazy Ralph, played by Walt Gorney, a cranky old-timer who hangs around predicting disaster for everyone involved in Camp Crystal Lake like Pte Frazer in Dad’s Army, telling the incredulous kids: “You’re all doomed!” There’s some bizarre fun in this (almost innocent) film, but maybe the fanbase are the ones to get most out of a revisit.

Friday the 13th is released on October 13 in UK cinemas.

Exploration and Re-evaluating Timeless Appeal

Horror films have always been a fascination of the movie industry and its audience. From classics like Psycho to more recent hits like Halloween, the genre has evolved over time. One such classic that marked the start of a successful franchise is Friday the 13th. Now, with a rerelease of the original film, it’s time to delve into the timeless appeal of this teen horror classic.

The film, directed by Sean S Cunningham in 1980, served as an origin myth to create a franchise centered around the character of Jason Voorhees. Interestingly, the film sets up Jason as an almost supernatural surviving villain, which contradicts the idea of his supposed death in this initial film. Originally intended as a psychological thriller, Friday the 13th borrowed from Hitchcock’s Psycho, showcasing the horror from the perspective of the character’s mother, Mrs Pamela Voorhees, portrayed by Betsy Palmer.

When revisiting the film, one might notice the experimentally slow pacing of the action. The story follows summer camp counsellors as they prepare for the reopening of Camp Crystal Lake, a picturesque location notorious for an unsolved double murder that took place in 1958. The film cleverly presents this past tragedy through flashback sequences from the killer’s point of view, adding an element of psychological horror.

The film’s narrative focuses on a group of young people who fall victim to a series of gruesome killings. These scenes, marked by impressive prosthetic work, showcase graphic injuries such as slash wounds and decapitations. One intriguing narrative trope explored in the film is the concept of the “final girl,” a character who possesses artistic skills and a deeper emotional depth than her counterparts. As the story reaches its conclusion, the final confrontation between the “final girl” and the killer takes place on the serene and seemingly innocent Crystal Lake.

Despite its dark themes, Friday the 13th presents moments of broad comedy. One notable character, Crazy Ralph, adds levity to the story as he warns the campers of impending disaster, paralleling the iconic Pte Frazer from the popular British sitcom Dad’s Army. This blend of horror and comedy creates a unique viewing experience, and while some may find entertainment in it, it is likely that the dedicated fanbase will appreciate the film’s revisitation the most.

Editorial: The Cultural Impact of Teen Horror Classics

The enduring popularity of films like Friday the 13th raises questions about the cultural impact of teen horror classics. These films not only serve as a source of entertainment but also provide insight into societal anxieties and the shifting paradigms of moral values.

In the case of Friday the 13th, the film emerged in the wake of John Carpenter’s immensely successful Halloween. It tapped into the public’s continued fascination with horror and added its own unique twist by drawing inspiration from Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece, Psycho. By exploring themes of oedipal complexes and the psychological motivations of the killers, Friday the 13th elevated the genre beyond mere shock value.

Additionally, the film’s portrayal of young adults facing gruesome deaths serves as a cautionary tale for audiences. It reflects the fears and anxieties surrounding the vulnerability of youth and the consequences of immoral behavior. While often criticized for its graphic violence, Friday the 13th holds a mirror to society’s darker side and provides a platform for contemplation and self-reflection.

As audiences revisit these classic horror films, it is essential to appreciate them not just for their entertainment value but also for their cultural significance. They provide a window into our collective fears, desires, and the changing landscape of societal norms. By critically analyzing these films, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves and the world we inhabit.

Advice: Revisiting a Classic

If you are a fan of horror films or have an interest in the genre’s history, revisiting Friday the 13th may offer a fresh perspective on the classic. The original film that kicked off a successful franchise can provide valuable insights into the evolution of horror storytelling and the cinematic techniques that have shaped the genre.

Approach the film with an open mind, understanding its place in the cultural landscape of the time. Pay attention to the narrative choices and character developments that set it apart from other teen horror films. Consider the film’s impact on subsequent horror movies and its enduring influence on popular culture.

It is worth noting that Friday the 13th contains graphic violence and is not suitable for all audiences. Take into account your own personal comfort levels when engaging with this type of content.

In conclusion, the rerelease of Friday the 13th offers an opportunity to explore and re-evaluate the timeless appeal of this original teen horror classic. Whether you are a dedicated fan or a curious observer, there is much to discover within the film’s iconic scenes and enduring cultural impact.