We continue The 31 Days of Halloween with Candyman from 1992. Skeptical graduate student Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen) is researching superstitions in a housing project on Chicago’s Near North Side. Helen learns about the Candyman (Tony Todd), a knife-wielding figure of urban legend that some of her neighbors believe to be responsible for a recent murder. After a mysterious man matching the Candyman’s description begins stalking her, Helen comes to fear that the legend may be all too real.
The Story
Candyman is based on the 1995 short story by Clive Barker called “The Forbidden.” It doesn’t always happen, but this is a rare case where the movie is way better than the book. The movie does an amazing job at blending supernatural elements with social commentary.
Throughout the first half of the movie, “Candyman” is treated as a dirty word. No one wants to talk about him, and the audience doesn’t necessarily know if he even exists. It’s this mystery, along with fantastic Gothic visuals, that keeps us entertained and intrigued. Once we realize that he does exist, the movie doesn’t let up.
Helen starts to become infatuated with Candyman, and he with her. It causes a downward spiral in her life, little by little. People don’t believe her, things happen around her that she cannot explain, and we see everything fall apart. The movie is almost like a fairy tale, similar to Dracula. Once the monster has power over you, there isn’t much you can do to stop it.
Tony Todd and Social Commentary
Last year, the world lost a huge icon in the horror world in Tony Todd. This man was an incredible actor in every project he worked on, but the role of Candyman made him a certified star. There is no one else who could have played this role. The man is so much more than a normal slasher. He is imposing with a smooth yet terrifying voice that was born from racial injustice. He is a character you are easily afraid of, but completely understand why Helen would follow him so easily as well.
Candyman’s real name was Daniel Robitaille. He was the son of a former slave and one day was hired to paint a picture of a white woman named Caroline. They fell in love, but this was not allowed. Her father started a lynch mob, and when they caught Daniel, they sawed his hand off and covered his body with bees before hanging him. It is a terribly tragic backstory that fuels our emotions throughout the film.
The movie also quickly became a phenomenon in real life. People all over were afraid to look in the mirror and say his name 5 times. The movie is scary, heartbreaking, and introduced the amazing Tony Todd to a lot of audiences. Check it out if you haven’t.
Candyman is available to watch on Amazon Prime.
Come back tomorrow for some more spooky reviews.
