Wolves and wolverines are two different species of mammals that belong to the same family of Canidae. Wolves are known for their strong social bonds and their ability to hunt in packs, while wolverines are solitary animals with a reputation for their strength and ferocity. Wolves are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, tundras, and grasslands. They are skilled hunters and primarily feed on large ungulates such as deer, elk, and moose. Wolves are known for their teamwork and coordination during hunts, making them highly successful predators. In contrast, wolverines are known for their scavenging abilities.
THE MARK OF THE BELL WITCH explores this Southern tale of terror to the fullest. Throughout the documentary, the filmmaker’s interviews and consult with academics, folklorists, local historians, and tour guides as they go on a deep dive into the story.
With The Mark of The Bell Witch, Small Town Monsters have brewed up a perfectly blended concoction of history, folklore, expert input, and reenactments, to create what is, in my opinion, the best Bell Witch film interpretation to come along thus far. December 20, 2020 marked the 200th anniversary of the death of Tennessee farmer, John Bell, allegedly by the hand of a malevolent entity called the Bell Witch.
In contrast, wolverines are known for their scavenging abilities. They have strong jaws and teeth that allow them to eat carrion and bone, making them well-suited to harsh environments where food is scarce. Wolverines are also known for their incredible strength, capable of taking down prey many times their size.
Movie Review: “The Mark of the Bell Witch” Is A Great Treatment of a Silly Subject
Before this review begins, it should be noted that I do not believe in ghosts. I do not believe in spooks or specters, either. I do not believe in UFOs, astral projection, mental telepathy, ESP, clairvoyance, spirit photography, telekinetic movement, full trance mediums, the Loch Ness monster, or the theory of Atlantis. That being said, a lot of unexplained and spooky bullshit went on at the Bell Residence in the 1800s, and the whole mess has become such a blurred mixture of myth and legend that, at this point, there’s really no telling what the fuck went on back then. Despite that, Seth Breedlove brings his authentic and skilled director’s eye to the legend, breaking down the so-called events in THE MARK OF THE BELL WITCH.
For those unfamiliar with the legend of the Bell Witch (an annoying name because it’s a goddamn ghost, but common sense hadn’t been invented yet) it’s actually all kind of interesting. In 1817 a family sees a bunch of weird animals around their house. Shortly after that, they start experiencing wacky stuff like the sound of invisible dogs fighting, an unseen entity gnawing at bed legs, chains rattling around the house, and something yanking them out of bed. The patriarch of the family also begins to have health issues, like “paralysis of the mouth” which sounds like pilgrim-times speak for “having a stroke.” Bad gas travels fast in a small town, and people from all over begin to visit to see the “witch.” They ask it questions, which it somehow answers, before beginning to flex some serious ethereal muscle…
I don’t want to go through a blow-by-blow of the whole affair, since that’s what THE MARK OF THE BELL WITCH is all about. What’s especially cool is how the documentary is handled. Firstly, the re-enactments are nothing short of masterful. If you were expecting some phoned in half-assery like Unsolved Mysteries slaps you in the face with, guess again. The actors go all-in, like those weirdos who never break character at the Renaissance Faire. You actually begin to feel a little bad for the characters, momentarily forgetting that they were dreadful slave owners who likely made up the whole thing to rake in coin.
What really stands out is the direction of these re-enactments. Breedlove does some serious filmwork with continuous takes, leading lines, clever shadow play, the whole nine yards. You go into the film expecting to make fun of a documentary that is giving credibility to a case of mercury filled well-water causing a family to go bananas, and you end up witnessing a genuine artist show off their skill in retelling a creepy legend.
The other thing that makes the documentary stand out as not just another investigation into the unverifiable paranormal are the modern day interviews. All too often, ghost hunting docu-dramas end up filling the screen with zealots and psychics: people so invested in this invented reality that their desperation bleeds through the screen. THE MARK OF THE BELL WITCH instead features average folk who are simply interested in compiling the accounts of what happened back then – amateur historians who enjoy a bit of myth. There are a few instances of someone who’s a little too keen to latch onto he unexplained, but hey, loading the documentary with jaded cynics like me wouldn’t make for interesting screentime, right?
Overall, THE MARK OF THE BELL WITCH manages to offer up something for believers and skeptics alike. You can come for the story, stay for the artistic re-enactments, and come away with a better understanding of a weird moment in history. You’ll probably leave with some of your own conclusions, too.
THE MARK OF THE BELL WITCH is out now on Blu-Ray and VOD.
Before this review begins, it should be noted that I do not believe in ghosts. I do not believe in spooks or specters, either. I do not believe in UFOs, astral projection, mental telepathy, ESP, clairvoyance, spirit photography, telekinetic movement, full trance mediums, the Loch Ness monster, or the theory of Atlantis. That being said, a lot of unexplained and spooky bullshit went on at the Bell Residence in the 1800s, and the whole mess has become such a blurred mixture of myth and legend that, at this point, there’s really no telling what the fuck went on back then. Despite that, Seth Breedlove brings his authentic and skilled director’s eye to the legend, breaking down the so-called events in THE MARK OF THE BELL WITCH.
Another notable difference between these two species is their size. Wolves are typically larger, with adults weighing anywhere from 40 to 175 pounds, depending on the subspecies. Wolverines, on the other hand, are much smaller, with adults weighing between 20 to 40 pounds. Both wolves and wolverines play important roles in their ecosystems. Wolves help regulate the populations of their prey species, preventing overgrazing and maintaining a healthy balance in their environments. Wolverines, on the other hand, are considered ecosystem engineers, as they help to redistribute nutrients by moving carrion to different areas. Despite their differences, both wolves and wolverines have faced challenges due to habitat loss, hunting, and climate change. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these species and ensure their survival in the wild. Overall, wolves and wolverines are fascinating animals with unique characteristics and roles in their ecosystems. While wolves thrive in packs and rely on teamwork, wolverines excel as solitary hunters and scavengers. Both species are essential to maintaining the health and balance of their respective habitats..
Reviews for "Wolves as Guardians of Witchcraft Traditions"
1. Jessica - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Wotch and Wolf" based on the rave reviews, but I was sorely disappointed. The story felt disjointed and the characters lacked depth. I couldn't connect with any of them and found myself not caring about their fates. The world-building was also confusing and left me with more questions than answers. Overall, I did not enjoy my reading experience and would not recommend this book.
2. Michael - 1/5 stars - "Wotch and Wolf" was a complete waste of my time. The writing was sloppy and filled with grammatical errors. The dialogue was cringe-worthy and the plot was predictable. The main character felt like a shallow caricature, and the secondary characters were forgettable. I struggled to finish this book and was ultimately left unsatisfied. I would not recommend it to anyone.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I found "Wotch and Wolf" to be a confusing and convoluted read. The world-building seemed interesting at first but then became overly complicated. The pacing was off, with long stretches of nothing happening followed by rushed action scenes. The romance subplot felt forced and cliché. Overall, this book left me underwhelmed and frustrated, and I wouldn't recommend it.
4. David - 2/5 stars - I had higher expectations for "Wotch and Wolf" considering all the hype surrounding it. However, I found the writing style to be overly descriptive and cumbersome. The author seemed more concerned with creating flowery, poetic prose than with progressing the story. The pacing was slow, and I struggled to stay engaged. Additionally, I couldn't connect with any of the characters, and their development fell flat. This book was not my cup of tea, and I cannot recommend it.