"The Amityville Horror" is a highly controversial and well-known case in the history of paranormal activity. It was an alleged haunting that occurred in a house located at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York. The events are documented in the book "The Amityville Horror" and numerous subsequent films. The story begins on November 13, 1974, when Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered his parents and four siblings in the house. He claimed that voices in his head told him to commit the crime.
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Bill Milkowski writes, While some guitarists Eddie Van Halen, Adrian Belew, Frank Marino have already toyed with two-handed hammer-on effects as a means of embellishing pyrotechnic guitar solos, no one has pursued the potential of this revolutionary approach with as much purpose and dedication as Stanley Jordan. On the flip side, Jordan also proves that he is not out of touch with the history of jazz, with delightful versions of Freddie Freeloader, Round Midnight, and A Child Is Born.
He claimed that voices in his head told him to commit the crime. Following this tragedy, the Lutz family moved into the house in December 1975, despite being aware of the brutal murders that occurred there. Soon after moving in, the Lutz family claimed to experience various paranormal phenomena.
Jordan's Magic Touch
POINT ONE: Stanley Jordan has two arms. Point two: Stanley Jordan sounds as though he has four arms. Guitarist Jordan also has the "Magic Touch," the name of his debut on the newly revived Blue Note label, and an apt description of his unorthodox and revolutionary technique. Point three: even though he uses no overdubbing or double tracking techniques, Jordan sounds like two very good jazz guitarists in a duet setting. You're probably going to have to see it to believe it, because hearing it and being asked to believe it may just be too much to ask.
Jordan's approach is thoroughly unconventional: He taps or hammers the frets of his guitar high up on the neck, forming positions with both hands (they work independently), playing chords and counterpoint, interpolating bass- lines, leads and fills all at once in a style normally associated with piano (he's a former student of that instrument). It's an awesome and vanguard technique, sort of a one-man orchestra. But it's a technique Jordan is using in a thoroughly accessible commercial context.
"Magic Touch" offers an astoundingly inventive "Eleanor Rigby" and Michael Jackson's "The Lady in My Life," as well as reworkings of Miles Davis' "Freddie Freeloader" and "Round Midnight" (done here as a swinging pavanne); Jimi Hendrix' "Angel"; and several originals, including the enchanting "All the Children," the sweet funk of "Fundance" and the polyrhythmic swirl of "Return Expedition."
At this point, Jordan's sheer technical virtuosity and melodic embellishments are more impressive than his improvisational skills. Then again, he's only 24. And coming up with a technique that's bound to redefine the instrument is not a bad start. His best moments: On "Freddie Freeloader," Jordan's agile, bluesy playing recalls Wes Montgomery and early George Benson, while "Angel" is an astute homage that illuminates Hendrix' approach rather than copying it. Mostly Jordan plays solo (so to speak), as though producer Al Dimeola knew anything else would be extraneous. As a result, Stanley Jordan may be the first guitarist to come in first and second in the annual downbeat readers' poll.
STANLEY JORDAN -- "Magic Touch" (Blue Note BV85101); appearing at Charlie's Georgetown Sunday and Monday.
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They reported strange odors, slamming doors, black slime oozing from the walls, and a demonic presence that physically attacked family members. The supposed haunting affected everyone in the house, with the father, George Lutz, being the primary target. The family sought the help of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who found evidence of the haunting during their visit. The Warrens claimed that the house was infested by malevolent spirits and performed a blessing to cleanse it. However, the events continued, and the Lutz family ultimately fled the house after living there for only 28 days. The Amityville Horror case has sparked intense debate and skepticism over the years. Critics argue that the events were fabricated to profit from the public's fascination with the supernatural. Others believe that the Lutz family genuinely experienced paranormal activity. Skeptics point out inconsistencies in their accounts and question the credibility of the Warrens. Despite the controversy, "The Amityville Horror" has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring numerous books, films, and documentaries. People's fascination with the supernatural and the enduring legacy of the case continue to captivate audiences. Whether the events at 112 Ocean Avenue were a genuine haunting or an elaborate hoax remains a topic of debate and speculation..
Reviews for "Examining the Amityville Horror House in Film and Literature"
- John - 1 star - I found "The Amityville Curse" on Tubi to be extremely disappointing. The storyline felt predictable and recycled, offering no fresh or unique elements to engage the audience. The acting was subpar, with wooden performances that failed to bring any emotion or depth to the characters. The scares were lackluster, relying heavily on cheap jump scares and clichéd horror tropes. Overall, it was a forgettable and unoriginal horror film that failed to deliver any real scares or entertainment value.
- Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "The Amityville Curse" when I stumbled upon it on Tubi, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The story had potential, but it felt rushed and poorly executed, leaving many loose ends and unanswered questions. The acting was mediocre at best, with performances that lacked conviction and failed to draw me into the characters' plight. The horror elements were also underwhelming, with predictable scares and lacking the atmospheric tension that makes horror films truly chilling. While it had its moments, overall, "The Amityville Curse" was a forgettable and mediocre addition to the horror genre.
- Emily - 2.5 stars - "The Amityville Curse" on Tubi left me feeling disappointed. The plot felt disjointed, with many scenes that seemed out of place or unnecessary. The character development was weak, leaving me uninvested in their fates or the outcome of the story. While there were a few effective scares, they were overshadowed by a surplus of jump scares that felt cheap and unoriginal. Additionally, the pacing was uneven, with moments of boring exposition followed by rushed and poorly explained twists. Overall, "The Amityville Curse" lacked the necessary elements to make it a truly engaging and memorable horror film.
- David - 1.5 stars - I can't say that I enjoyed "The Amityville Curse" on Tubi. The plot was convoluted and messy, leaving me confused and disconnected from the story. The acting was unconvincing, with performances that felt forced and unnatural. The scares were predictable and failed to evoke any real sense of fear or tension. The film relied too heavily on jump scares, making it feel cheap and lacking in originality. Overall, "The Amityville Curse" was a forgettable and uninspiring horror film that failed to live up to its potential.