One way to set the scene for Halloween is through film. The media we consume during this time of the year plays a key role in our perception and investment in the season. Here is a selection of classic Halloween and fall films that encapsulate two tones: whimsically spooky and dreamy landscapes.
“Little Women”
This movie intermingles dreamy landscapes and elegance stunningly. Even though the overall film occurs over the span of several seasons, Greta Gerwig still manages to capture the essence of fall in New England in an unforgettable fashion. “Little Women” contains picturesque landscapes, revolves around literature and causes its viewers to ponder their position in the world.
“Coraline”
This gloomy, eerie film directed by Henry Selick combines the whimsicality of the fall season with ghostly undertones. The contradiction between worlds captured in captivating stop motion shots gives the movie an otherworldly feel. Coraline makes rain jackets, mysterious happenings and gloomy days symbolic of the fall season.
“Coraline is ambiguous, dreamy and a perfect, rainy day conversation starter,” senior Caroline Brink said.
“The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy
This trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson, causes viewers to enter into an autumn state of mind by capturing the essence of folk tales told around an old campfire. The series transports viewers into a new world while providing picturesque renderings of the Shire and Lothlorien in fall time.
“Corpse Bride”
The “Corpse Bride,” directed by Tim Burton and Mike Johnson, is set in a world of blue and somber tones. It features a strong female character, thousands of butterflies and beautiful music. This film provides excellent Halloween costume inspiration, portrays a world where the line between sleep and wake disappears and depicts every character as spooky in all of the right ways.
“Gilmore Girls”
“Gilmore Girls,” created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, stands as an iconic symbol of the fall season. Several Liberty University students recommended this comedy drama as their favorite fall show. From the cozy, small town aura of Stars Hollow to the constant coffee runs of the Gilmore girls to the seasonal outfits and celebrations featured in each season, “Gilmore Girls” puts its viewer in a cozy state of mind.
“Alice in Wonderland”
This topsy-turvy fall down the rabbit hole, also directed by Tim Burton, represents all things fall. This movie is eerie, absurdest and all together upside down. “Alice in Wonderland” is riddled with spectacular costume ideas that could help any viewer prepare for the month of October.
“Jane Eyre”
This Gothic film directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga captures the combination of the autumn season’s wistful atmosphere and gloomy nature. The moody landscapes, brooding protagonists, Victorian architecture and dramatic narrative draw the viewer deeper into its plot and set the scene for the ghostly season ahead.
“Edward Scissorhands”
Fantasy and Goth meet romance in this film directed by Tim Burton. The movie fully leans into Burton’s love of Gothic scenery. Burton juxtaposes the chilling perfection of common society with the eerie, wholesome nature of the neighborhood outcast. From displays of iconic awkwardness to eerie teenage romance to bat-infested mansions, this movie paves the path for Halloween.
“Pride and Prejudice”
A cozy, romantic escape directed by Joe Wright provides a perfect balance amid the frightening feelings that come with the fall season. There are numerous balls, tea parties and confessions of love under rain showers. This movie is compelling and provides a dreamy form of escapism.
“Harry Potter” Series
This series, based on the books by J. K. Rowling, provides its viewers with the feeling of adventure while cozying up under piles of blankets. Harry Potter provides a whimsical world, endearing characters and a wide variety of content for viewers to partake in while they prepare for Halloween.
As all the delights of the autumn season unfold, take the opportunity to enjoy these fleeting months, and set the scene for Halloween with a movie or two.
Callaghan is an arts & culture reporter for the Liberty Champion.