The Bay Area's Dark Secret: A Movie's Cursed Journey
The story of a Hollywood film's production in the Bay Area is one of intrigue, controversy, and a series of eerie events. It's a tale that begins with a renowned producer, Sandy King, and her marriage to the iconic filmmaker John Carpenter. The couple, having fallen in love with the region, settled in a glass-walled house overlooking Tomales Bay and Drakes Bay, a picturesque setting that would soon become the backdrop for a series of peculiar incidents.
Carpenter, known for his horror classics like 'Halloween' and 'They Live', was under contract with Universal Pictures. His next project was to be a monster movie, a reimagining of 'The Creature From the Black Lagoon'. However, the studio had other plans. They presented him with the script for 'Village of the Damned', a sci-fi thriller about malevolent alien children, based on the 1960 film and the 1957 novel 'The Midwich Cuckoos'. Carpenter and King, though hesitant, agreed on one condition: filming in their beloved Bay Area.
The two-month shoot had its idyllic moments, with King driving her godson Daniel to school and the cast and crew enjoying fishing trips and home-cooked meals. But trouble brewed beneath the surface. Locals began harassing the production, vandalizing the set, and even carving pentagrams on the front door. This escalated to the point where a small fire broke out at the Carpenter residence, suspected to be arson, though the cause was never determined.
The film itself, 'Village of the Damned', is a chilling tale. It depicts a small town's eerie encounter with an otherworldly force, resulting in mysterious pregnancies and the birth of unearthly children. Carpenter aimed to modernize the story, focusing on the mothers' perspectives and their loss of control over their bodies. This feminist twist, however, was lost on the locals, who resented Hollywood's intrusion into their small-town life.
The production faced further challenges. Universal rushed the release, cutting scenes without Carpenter's approval. The final product was unrecognizable to some actors, and critics largely dismissed it as a silly or uninspired remake. Yet, the film has its defenders, who appreciate its unique take on parenthood and the sense of isolation it portrays in a coastal town. They argue that it's a cozy, 'Twilight Zone'-like drama with a human touch, enhanced by Carpenter's signature special effects and gore.
But the film's release was marred by tragedy. During the press junket, news of the Oklahoma City bombing broke, leading to accusations of insensitivity. Shortly after, Christopher Reeve, who played a local doctor, suffered a horseback riding accident that left him paralyzed. And in a cruel twist of fate, a fire destroyed the Carpenter-King home in Point Reyes National Seashore, taking with it cherished memories and possessions.
Despite these setbacks, the film has gained a cult following. It's been referenced in popular culture, from 'The Simpsons' to indie music videos, and has been re-released on Blu-Ray. The movie's enduring appeal lies in its exploration of universal fears, suggesting that everyone is afraid of something, perhaps their mistakes as parents or the influence they have on their children. This theme resonates with audiences, ensuring that 'Village of the Damned' remains a part of the cinematic conversation.
The Bay Area, with its misty cliffs and sweeping vistas, provided the perfect setting for this eerie tale. It's a region that, despite the controversies and curses, remains close to King's heart. She reflects on her time there with a mix of nostalgia and sadness, admitting that returning would stir up strong emotions and dreams of rebuilding. This story, a blend of Hollywood glamour and local resentment, serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most captivating narratives are found where reality and fiction intertwine.
