Halloween Documentary (Part 1 - Elephant Graves)

exploring the haunted cemetary lined with graves from a circus accident. first part of five of the halloween documentary (2004).

Review:
In the world of film, only a handful of works can truly be described as great. These are movies that are not only entertaining and well made, but that teach us lessons about life and about ourselves. Recently, I saw a movie that was a pure and shining example of self-discovery, as well as a great work of art. This movie is Halloween.

In the film, two young girls set out to solve a Halloween puzzle- what they're looking for is never actually clear, but that only speaks to the movie's greater meaning. Through the journey, the girls encounter death and scary stories in many forms. They are haunted by ghost hunters in cemetaries, hitchikers on the c.t.a., people in black boxes, and foreigners. Each of these events contributes not only to the story, but to the personal growth of the main characters, Stephanie and Katie.

The movie opens with an ominous symbol- two mysterious lights in the sky. "What are these lights?" the viewer is left wondering. As with many of life's deepest questions, there is no time to answer before we are hurtled into a new situation altogether. The next scene shows the girls discussing past Halloweens when they are interrupted by a shrill noise. "We must evacuate," proclaims Stephanie. Alas, their attempt to escape the fire, and the dreariness of their old life is nearly foiled when Katie is stopped by an unfotunate trip. With a lot of courage, the girls continue their journey only to be stopped by another obstacle. A threatening black cat decides to follow them on it's day of glory. Despite a lot of talking and some jumping on the cat's part the girls manage to escape without harm and they flee to a nearby cemetary.

In the cemetary, the movie takes a strange twist. After visiting a temple of the dead, they find that the cemetary they've entered is impossible to escape. During their time in the cemetary, through the magic powers of Halloween, the girls become privy to the many scary stories of the ghosts that reside there.

The first story- that of Olga Koeber- is a message to all of us who fail to know our true selves. Olga is just a regular woman who arbitrarily decides to go for a stroll in a graveyard. When she catches sight of her name, her own identity, on a gravestone, it stunns her so that she is killed. The message is clearly about the dangers of not knowing your true self. The next story is about a ghost on a bridge, and most likely symbolizes the many bridges we all have to cross during this journey that is called life. Next is another tale about the journey of life, this one involving a ghost who, desperate for a ride, takes to hitchhiking. When the many motorists turn her down, the hitchhiker is forced to use public transportation. Not only is this a practical message about the virtues of the chicago transit authority, it's a spirutal message about perserverance.

At this point the girls go through somewhat of a dream state where they build upon what they've learned in the cematary and explore the recesses of some ancient ruins and their own minds. After a close call where Stephanie goes missing, the girls decide to set out on another adventure. After looking for excitement in a church, they decide that it's time spread their new knowledge. They call upon their friend Paulina and together the three of them spend some quality time re-enacting many of the wonderous halloween things they've seen. After they're through, they have a deep discussion on their feelings about the movie, about Halloween, and, most importantly, about theirselves.

The movie concludes with some phat beats from Mr. Gartski, some really awesome credits, and the latest hit single by the Yakuzas. Every part of the movie is completely satisfying to all of the five senses and to the soul of every human being. I would reccomend this movie to anyone looking to learn a little more about themselves, or anyone who remembers what it was like to be a teenager with broken identity, or anyone who feels like watching a really awesome movie. Special features include- the famous exchange student fall, and Stephanie and Katie riding down the stairs on a futon. Overall, I give this 3.5 or 4 stars out of 3.5 or 4 stars.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• elephants
• cemetary
• ghost
• hunter
• elliott
• smith
• waterloo
• sunset
• graves

[remarkable1978]

I wasted 6 minutes 3 seconds of my life...can I please get them back?

[tiffbschoanie]

well you know, you didn't have to finish it

[BelleandSebby]

This music is so familiar. I know I'm going to smack myself for not remembering. Can you tell me what this is?

[tiffbschoanie]

the music in the beginning is neutral milk hotel - the fool. and later is elliot smith's cover of waterloo sunset.

[thekatieandkevshow]

showmens rest is the resting place for a circus train accident.... some people like horse driver... it was the only way they could be identified... the animals, some clowns...it's all there

[zacmadison]

silly dumb posers

[AolaniAnvita1]

hmmi really need to find somebody who clicks with me

[firefaery073186]

this cemetary isnt scary or creepy at all... my grandfather is buried at this cemetary... so ive seen Showmans Rest a lot of times... its actually quite beautiful in a sense.

[tajto]

nmh!

[amen2u]

I like this video for one reason and one reason only...the Girl! She's pretty cute.

Now, I pass this cemetary 5 days a week, its on my way to and from work. I have never heard of any hauntings in this lame as cemetary. This place sucks!! If you really wanna feel some shit, go to Monks castle alone at 3AM or Bachelor's Grove at night. Film it, take pics and then post the damn video!

[isolationeitheror]

i think this is completely fucked

[SmoothieMixer]

This is........ wierd.

NOt a documentary.... and that doesn't realy got the "haunted" atmosphere......

[worm9100]

youre lame freak

[88bucknasty88]

............what?

[Cattellar]

wtf.... this fucking sucked. Why would you need gloves??? The girl is kinda hot....unfortunately she walks as if she was possesed.