I never thought 1976's "Carrie" as being a good movie. I saw it when I was a freshman in college and thought it was one of the most pessimistic, most despairing films ever. But that's when I had a different view of horror movies and what they should consist of. After all, I was just out of high school and carrying with me my own family's beliefs of what decency is. So, I've been meaning to watch the movie again lately but haven't had a chance. But now I'm inclined even more to see it since it’s been selected for the Library of Congress's National Film Registry (NFR). “Carrie” is one of at least three films that are science fiction or fantasy that will be inducted into the NFR. What’s more is that all three are based on books! The other two are Disney’s "The Little Mermaid" and 2008’s "Iron Man". (Yes, I’m including comic books.) I haven't seen "Iron Man" (as much as he’s a favourite Marvel character of mine) and don't care to due to my own personal preferences. I saw "The Little Mermaid", also in my freshman year of college, and enjoyed it but I normally don't talk about the fairy tale genre at this blog. So, I’ll discuss the Registry’s selection of "Carrie".
"Carrie" was not only Stephen King's first novel but also the first of his works to have been adapted to film. It stars Sissy Spacek who played the title character, a teenage girl abused by her religious fanatic mom while bullied by her peers at school. These pressures lead to Carrie’s discovery of telekinetic powers and her use of them in the revenge she takes out on her classmates. Spacek’s portrayal of a deadly, blood-drenched prom queen became a pop culture icon, as explained on the NFR’s website. This has especially been the case in horror fandom.
Last Wednesday December 14th, the Library of Congress's Carla Hayden announced 2022’s selection of 25 films to be inducted into the National Film Registry, “Carrie” being one of them. The NFR is the Library’s project used to annually select from a number of films nominated by the public for preservation of the nation's movie history. Only films 10 years or older are considered. (Votes for the 2023 selections can be cast at loc.gov/film.)
"Carrie" was selected for the NFR because it is believed to be a contribution to the US's story of culture and society. As Hayden says, “'Films have become absolutely central to American culture by helping tell our national story . . . We are proud to add 25 more films by a group of vibrant and diverse filmmakers to the National Film Registry . . .'" Factors that determined the selection were several. One was its director, Brian De Palma. The NFR website states that De Palma is an iconic filmmaker who in the 1960s and ‘70s made new conventions for Hollywood’s film creation. Also according to the Registry, "Carrie" made DePalma the big-name movie director he is. Another factor that determined the selection was the movie’s major influence on the horror genre as a whole. As the NFR explains, “The film’s influence remains undeniable to this day, often cited by other critics and filmmakers for its impact on the horror genre.”
When a movie, such as "Carrie", from a genre traditionally believed to be simple escapism is selected for the National Film Registry, it shows that horror has its importance in the nation’s culture. It also shows how strong of an influence the US’s literature, including Stephen King’s work, has had on film. Expect a Book-To-Movie review of “Carrie” here at A Far Out Fantastic Site sometime during the new year.
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Upcoming: December's Book-To-Movie; Newsletter
Due to the holidays, I might not be post here at the Far Out Fantastic Site next weekend. I'll be spending the time with family. That said, the Book-To-Movie that usually falls on the fourth Saturday of the month will be postponed to the following Saturday (New Year's Eve).
Also, the Holiday edition of my newsletter, "Night Creatures' Call", will be releasing this week sometime, so look out for it in your in-boxes. In issues of "Night Creatures' Call", I go over the progress and behind-the-scenes of my latest fiction; I also offer exclusive discounts on books and cover other sci fi/fantasy news, info and details on events not covered here at A Far Out Fantastic Site. If you’re not subscribed to the newsletter, you can do so for free here!
Do you think "Carrie" is a good selection for the Library of Congress's National Film Registry? If so, what do you feel makes it a good selection? If not, what about it makes it wrong for selection?
Until next time, and Happy Hallowdays!
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| Credit: Pixabay.com |
I'm surprised they didn't select The Shining instead. Unless it's already in of course. I think I saw Carrie a year or so after its release and like you, didn't think it was great.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Stanley Kubrick is also a really good director, so if The Shining was never inducted in all these years I wouldn't be surprised that it's not far behind.
DeleteYou have a Merry Christmas too!