Black Christmas

Black Christmas is a 1974 Canadian slasher film directed by Bob Clark, who is renowned for his extensive contributions to the horror genre. This ingenious masterpiece stars three remarkable actors: Olivia Hussey known for her outstanding performances in Shakespearean dramas, Keir Dullea who starred in one of the iconic space odyssey films, and Margot Kidder whose role as Lois Lane in Superman is unforgettable. This film perfectly balances suspenseful sequences with horrifying elements, closely sticking to what the genre implies.

The film is set in a sorority house during the festive season of Christmas. While this may initially sound cheerful and merry, the film effectively twists the holiday cheer into a nerve-rattling horror. Olivia Hussey plays the role of Jess, a mature and independent young woman, who is one of the sorority sisters living in the house. As the Yuletide spirit fills the air and the fraternity sisters prepare for their holiday break, a series of menacing and obscene phone calls disrupt their merriment. These calls are not just damningly foul and perverted but are also threatening, leaving the girls both scared and bewildered.

Margot Kidder's character, Barbara, a vivacious and carefree young woman, confronts the caller with an equally insolent retort which, unfortunately, sets the stage for a spiral of terror. Keir Dullea plays the role of Peter, who is connected intimately to one of the characters, and his portrayal effectively contributes to the tension that envelopes the film. As the terror escalates and the girls go missing, one by one, it is soon discerned that there is a serial killer on the loose.

Black Christmas is known for its cinematic commentary on how horror can invade the simplest and happiest of scenarios, wherein this case, a merry holiday turns into a blood-curdling nightmare. The movie eschews gore in favor of suspense, psychological horror, and an ever-mounting sense of dread that leaves the audience on the edge of their seats. The close-knit dynamics of the sorority house and the strong female characters add depth to the regular slasher formula, making this piece stand out among others of the same genre.

Another standout aspect of the film is its use of point-of-view shots, letting audiences see events unfold from the killer's perspective. This distinct cinematographic technique became a staple for future slasher films and immerse the audience in a spiraling abyss of fear. Moreover, the film's haunting Christmas soundtrack morphs the joyous holiday carols into eerie tunes, adding to its chilling atmosphere.

All the main actors give gripping performances. Olivia Hussey as Jess holds the plot together as the determined heroine, Margot Kidder’s edgy portrayal of Barbara adds an audacious flavor, and Keir Dullea manages to convincingly play his character, keeping the audience guessing about his intentions.

A crucial element that has led to the cult status of Black Christmas is its ending. Without divulging any spoilers, it might be said that the conclusion lives up to the shocks delivered throughout the film. It leaves the audience with an enduring sense of unease and provides room for intriguing debate long after the film ends without significant closure regarding the identity of the killer.

In summary, the 1974 movie version of Black Christmas is a timeless classic in the slasher and horror genres. It employs compelling storytelling and holds high regard for creating suspense and fear by conceptualizing ‘the unseen and unknown’. While it remains a movie of the '70s, it is a watch that still holds relevance with its chilling narrative and relatable characters. Whether you're a fan of vintage horror or exploring the origin stories of slasher film tropes, Black Christmas is a must-watch that continues to delight, intrigue and scare generations of viewers.