The Bay Area's Chilling Tale: A Movie's Troubled Journey
In the heart of the Bay Area, a story unfolds that's as eerie as the fog-shrouded cliffs of Marin County. Imagine a Hollywood power couple, Sandy King and John Carpenter, settling into their dream home, a glass-walled sanctuary overlooking the serene Tomales Bay and Drakes Bay. But this idyllic setting becomes the backdrop for a series of bizarre events that would forever mark the production of a film as cursed.
A Cursed Production?
The film in question, a remake of the 1960 sci-fi thriller 'Village of the Damned,' was not Carpenter's first choice. The renowned director, known for horror classics like 'Halloween' and 'They Live,' had his heart set on a monster movie. However, Universal Pictures had other plans, and the script for 'Village of the Damned' landed in his lap. The story, about a group of evil alien children, seemed to cast a spell from the start.
The production began with a two-month shoot in the Bay Area, a seemingly peaceful location. Yet, it was here that the first signs of trouble emerged. The crew endured grueling 36-hour shifts, but it was the locals who posed the real challenge. From pentagrams carved on doors to vandalism and racial slurs, the hostility was palpable. Despite the film's innocent subject matter, the locals seemed determined to make the crew's lives miserable.
A Town's Resistance
The film's plot, involving a mysterious force causing a town to fall unconscious and unexplained pregnancies, was a far cry from the real-life drama unfolding. The locals, it seemed, resented the intrusion of Hollywood, even though King's film company had agreed to match permit fees for local nonprofits. The resentment grew, and the crew found themselves in the midst of a hostile environment.
A Director's Vision
Carpenter, a self-proclaimed feminist, wanted to bring a modern twist to the story, focusing on the expectant mothers' fear and lack of control. This perspective, however, was lost on the locals. They felt their small town was being exploited, and tensions rose. The production faced constant pushback, with locals even stealing props and vandalizing the set.
A Star-Studded Cast
The film boasted a stellar cast, including Christopher Reeve, Mark Hamill, and Kirstie Alley. The crew filmed in iconic locations like the 163-year-old Nicasio Elementary School and the historic Druid's Hall. Even the Rolling Stones' bassist, Darryl Jones, made a cameo. Yet, the production was plagued by challenges, with scenes being cut without Carpenter's approval and the final product bearing little resemblance to his vision.
A Premature Release
Universal rushed the release, and the film hit theaters in April 1995. Critics were not kind, calling it an uninspired remake. The timing was unfortunate, as the Oklahoma City bombing had just occurred, and the film's themes of evil children seemed insensitive. The tragedy followed the cast and crew, with Christopher Reeve suffering a life-altering accident soon after.
A Dream Home Lost
Adding to the curse, King and Carpenter's dream home was destroyed in a wildfire. The fire consumed everything, including their wedding photos and Carpenter's first movie camera. The house, once a sanctuary, was now a charred memory.
A Lasting Impact
Despite the challenges, the film has gained a cult following. It has been referenced in pop culture, from 'The Simpsons' to indie music videos. The creepy kid trope it employs still resonates with audiences today. King, now a renowned comic publisher, and Carpenter, a celebrated composer, have moved on, but the story of this cursed production remains a haunting reminder of the power of film and the mysteries of the Bay Area.
