31 Days of Halloween: Appalachian Terror

Pumpkinhead (1988)
******* (7 out of 10 stars)
Directed by: Stan Winston
Starring: Lance Henriksen, Jeff East, John D’Aquino, Kimberly Ross, and Florence Schauffler.

“For each of man’s evils, a special demon exists.”– Haggis, The Old Witch

As I near the end of my series, “T. Glenn Bane’s 31 Days of Halloween,” I find myself reflecting on the many films that have left their own unique and indelible mark. This collection of reviews wouldn’t have been possible without the countless suggestions from my internet and Facebook friends. Thank you all, and stay tuned—there’s more on the horizon.

Now, onto Stan Winston’s “Pumpkinhead” (1988), a film that resonates deeply with me, especially during a time when I was grappling with my own personal demons, young, brazen, emotional, reckless and full of hubris, leaving home for the first time. Much like Ed Harley, who is consumed by grief and desperation after the tragic loss of his son, I found myself in the midst of decisions and battles that felt beyond my control. There were moments when my problems loomed larger than life, and I had nowhere to hide but had to face them head-on. Although I don’t credit “Pumpkinhead” with my struggle or victories, I certainly appreciate the stark terror and the overwhelming menace of Ed Harley’s demon.

Set against the backdrop of an isolated Appalachian landscape, Winston crafts a narrative that draws me into a world where the supernatural intertwines with raw human emotion. The demon, summoned from ancient lore, emerges as a haunting embodiment of vengeance, casting a long shadow over the rugged terrain.

Visually, the film is a ravenous blend of shadows and foreboding. Winston’s direction captures the essence of Appalachian horror, with dense woods and abandoned shanties providing the perfect stage for the demon’s relentless pursuit. The atmospheric score echoes through the dark, its haunting notes serving as a constant reminder of the danger that lurks. As night falls on this forsaken land, the reality of unleashed evil becomes clear, revealing the harsh consequences of meddling with dark forces.

Lance Henriksen delivers a powerful performance as Ed Harley, portraying a man torn apart by sorrow and guilt. His descent into the abyss of vengeance is both compelling and heart-wrenching. The supporting cast, while not as prominent, enriches the film’s narrative, depicting a community steeped in folklore and hidden secrets.

A character that deserves particular mention is old Witch Haggis, memorably portrayed by Brian Bremer, and the culmination of outstanding work in set design, make-up, camera work, and stage direction. His North Carlina heritage, doubtlessly helped to bring authenticity to his portrayal of the mountain hag that brazenly smacked with the flavor of Appalachian folktales and nursery bogies.

The film stays true to the traditions of Appalachian storytelling, weaving ancient and arcane elements into a terrible death-shroud. The creative depiction of the Pumpkinhead demon enhances the horror, crafting a tale that honors the power and mystery of folklore.

While “Pumpkinhead” has its shortcomings—the pacing can lag, and the special effects, though groundbreaking for the time, may not fully captivate modern audiences—the film’s eerie atmosphere and visual storytelling secure its place as a cult classic. As the shadows deepen over the Appalachian wilderness, my appreciation for this film continues to grow, as does its prominence in the record of horror cinema. Cue dark music, fog, the unsettling trilling of cicada and the arrival of dark consequences.