Haunted State: Theatre Of Shadows

Haunted State: Theatre Of Shadows is a 2017 horror documentary film that seeks to delve into the mysteries that lie beneath the world we know, particularly in the world of the supernatural. Rather than featuring staged scares or fictional ghost stories, this film presents real encounters with the paranormal in some of Wisconsin's most haunted landmarks. The film is directed and produced by Michael Brown, who also appears on screen, sharing the limelight with Anne Benson and Todd Dehring.

From the outset, the film takes on a tone that is much subtler and evocative than most of the horror genre. It is primarily an exploration of reputedly haunted places, with the grand state theatres of Wisconsin serving as the backdrop for the unraveling of otherworldly mysteries. These include the Majestic Theatre, the Orpheum, the Stoughton Opera House, and the Capital Theatre, all located in Madison, Wisconsin. Each of these theatres has its own backstory rich with intrigue and unexplained phenomena that have led many to believe that they are haunted.

The film's director, Michael Brown, manifests a flair for capturing the eerie atmosphere of these locations and their histories. Together with paranormal experts Anne Benson and Todd Dehring, he embarks on a campaign to uncover the truth that these shadowy places hold. The trio enters a series of overnight investigations which create an excellent platform for evidence-gathering, set to validate or disprove the stories that have sprung from each theatre. These investigations are the heart of the film, unleashing an uncanny web of spectral occurrences and audio-visual anomalies which gives rise to shimmering specters on screen.

Haunted State: Theatre Of Shadows is punctuated with interviews from past employees, theatre patrons, historians, and locals, all of whom have their own tales to tell about the alleged hauntings. These anecdotes work hand in hand with the investigations, adding depth to the narratives and making the hair on your arms stand up. They provide a historical context that not only adds to the chilling aura surrounding the theaters but also paints a vivid picture of the state’s past.

The film can be described as a mix of historical narrative and ghost investigation. It balances the lurking suspense with a historical examination of each theatre's past. Each segment of the movie dips into historical archives and uncovers theatre lore that varies from unsolved mysteries, accidents, and even untimely deaths. This mix of history and horror, combined with a healthy dose of folklore, results in a compelling commentary on the influence the past can have on the present.

What separates Haunted State: Theatre Of Shadows from the vast body of work in the genre of ghost hunting and paranormal investigation is its authenticity. It does not feature blood-curdling screams or jump-scares. Instead, it employs a credible approach to the spirit world, focusing on minor disturbances and odd occurrences that don't necessarily send you hiding behind the sofa but stick with you long after the credits roll.

Although it has been crafted and marketed as a horror film, it is also a fascinating documentary about Wisconsin theatres' history wrapped up in a horror package. The film's cinematographic prowess is displayed in its ability to turn previously mundane or disregarded spaces into scenes of wonder and dread, combining careful documentation with artistic framing and staging. This delicate handling of elements results in an engaging documentary that uses horror aesthetics to create a unique viewing experience.

Haunted State: Theatre Of Shadows can thus be incredibly intriguing, whether you're a sceptic, a history buff, a lover of ghost stories or all of the above. Regardless of your beliefs regarding the supernatural, this is a film that invites you on a journey through the 'other side', making you question whether we are ever truly alone and ponder on the existence of an afterlife. This makes it a treat for both horror seekers and documentary lovers, inviting its audience to question life beyond the mortal realm within a historic context.