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Few horror movies can create an enthralling story and even fewer can execute the concept to its fullest potential. Bernard Rose’s 1992 film “Candyman” does both in amazing fashion.

Horror is one of the oldest genres in the world, so it is excusable for them to follow a certain formula. If the movie brings in money and is fun, there is no real reason to change it. “Candyman” was a rare film for the time because it breaks the rules of the classic recipe. From the concept to the execution, this movie looks beautiful and provides high-level fear.

Concept

To make a good movie you have to have a good concept. Even though African-American culture is very popular in some respects, there are not many stories or legends that reach the mainstream. “The legend of the Candyman” is a well-known story in the African-American community, but not relevant in others.

“I am the writing on the wall, the whisper in the classroom, without these things I am nothing.”

Candyman, 1992, Tony Todd as Candyman

Legends have power and influence over the people it targets. This idea is explored throughout the film by its characters and the environment itself.

Atmosphere

The horror genre has a habit of focusing more on jump scares than the actual environment it creates. Shock is different from real fear and unease. Director Bernard Rose knows this and creates a shared space for the viewer to experience life with the characters.

From the beginning to the end “Candyman” has an uneasy feeling to it. The skies are cloudy and the sounds of Chicago, Illinois flood the room. When Helen Lyle( the protagonist) first walks into an old housing project you feel it. The lighting is different from the outside, the walls are caving inwards and all of sudden your heart sinks to your stomach. Lyle’s attempts to calm herself are now your own and fear slowly begins to seep in.

Every scene in the movie feels this way. Fear is not created by a copious amount of jump scares, it manifests naturally by feeling the characters.

Performance

The acting in this movie is top-notch, to say the least. Tony Todd delivers every line with malicious intent. His tone is calm, but his words are nightmarish.

“Your death will be a tale to frighten children, to make lovers cling closer in their rapture. Come with me, and be immortal.”

Candyman, 1992, Tony Todd as Candyman

His portrayal of this terrifying urban legend’s antagonist is extremely bone-chilling. Much of the time it feels like he is speaking directly to you and it is clear what he wants with you.

Virginia Madsen also delivers a truly epic performance as curious and bouncy turned traumatized, Helen Lyle. The dynamic shifts from calm to terrified by Madsen are impressive and make the film great. Strong female protagonists are rare and Virginia Madsen turned in a very strong entry as such.

Impact

To this day “Candyman” affects the daily lives of horror movie fans. Stories involving African-American stories and struggles populate the silver screens of today more than ever. Bernard Rose and his crew bring to life many elements of daily life and fears that plague black communities around the world. It is hard to imagine today’s films such as Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” without films like “Candyman” creating public interest.