The American Scream

The American Scream is a heartwarming and sometimes surprisingly poignant documentary feature from 2012. It is directed by the talented Michael Paul Stephenson, best known for his work in Best Worst Movie. This film manages to give recognition to an often overlooked tradition in American Folklore. It has been highly praised for its intersection of humor, unique American eccentricity and the universal theme of pursuing seemingly out-of-reach dreams.

The movie primarily follows the aesthetic ambition and emotional journey of Victor Bariteau, a software quality assurance worker whose true passion lies in the world of professional Halloween haunting. This film also explores the lives of Merrill and Rick. Merrill has been setting up low-budget haunts in his home for years while Rick is struggling to create a final Halloween ‘boo-rah’ for his neighborhood before retiring due to old age and health concerns.

The most enduring character of the story, Victor is depicted as a dedicated, obsessed, and meticulous man who puts his whole heart and soul into the idea of brewing up the best Halloween haunting possible. It’s an obsession that obliges assistance from his incredibly supportive wife, Tina, and his equally enthusiastic daughters, Gwen and Isabel. This family standpoint extends a more profound and more empathetic insight into the life of the Bariteau family, framing their living room filled with plastic skeletons, eerie electronic spiders and graveyard fillings.

Director Michael Stephenson cleverly pictures Victor's journey as an artistic endeavor rather than a celebration of a holiday or mere entertainment. He portrays the process of Victor's haunting creation as an intense, year-long, painstakingly carried project that calls for scheming, manufacturing, and programming of the Halloween decorations. Along with it, the film shows Victor constantly battling against budget constraints, balancing family life, work life, and more. It particularly delves into the inherent challenges of his ambitions, capturing his drive to halfway transform his family’s suburban home into a haunted spectacle for the sake of community enjoyment.

In parallel, The American Scream touches upon the efforts of two other families in Fairhaven, Merrill and Rick. The Halloween creations of these two are less elaborate and less severe than Victor's. Still, they equally symbolize the devotedness and investment in the annual tradition of Halloween haunting that unifies the town. The merriment, scares, and the upholding of tradition bring a sense of community together in these residential hauntings. They share the common pursuit of bringing joy, thrills, and camaraderie to their neighborhoods through their collective love for Halloween, each in their unique style.

The American Scream succeeds not just as a look down the quirky subculture of home haunting but also as an audience-friendly, engaging, and emotionally satisfying documentary. It presents a delightful portrait of everyday folks who take Halloween to exceptional heights. While it echoes the aesthetics of fear and horror, the movie at its heart is a light-hearted comedy with a hefty amount of humour and charm. Even though these families invest incredible resources and time into a single evening of fun, the film never mocks them. Instead, it cherishes the seasonal magic of Halloween and the loving dedication of these homeowners who give it shape and form.

Overall, The American Scream is a touching, humorous exploration of an oft-overlooked corner of American pop culture. It presents inclusiveness, community involvement, family cooperation, and human perseverance. The film resonates the American dream—an aspiration to achieve beyond the ordinary, something Victor embodies as he yearns to accelerate from a home haunter to a professional one. It is an endearing documentary that will charm Halloween lovers, but also those who can appreciate the joy and satisfaction derived from pursuing a passion against all odds.