In this episode, we explore the making and legacy of "The Conjuring," a supernatural horror film based on true events. The film depicts paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren aiding a family haunted by a dark presence in their farmhouse.
Joining this discussion is Jason Hwitt, an expert in paranormal activities and a veteran journalist. He's known for his work on spooky on and off-screen shenanigans. You can also catch him every Tuesday at 5 PM PT on his show, Paranormal Theories on San Castle Radio, or listen to the podcast version.
With the new movie in "The Conjuring" franchise now out, we revisit how the first film portrayed the Warrens and the true events it's based on. The film was released on July 19, 2013, and Jason shares his first viewing experience during its opening weekend. He recalls the packed theater and how the film's thrilling atmosphere captivated audiences.
Matt, our host, also shares his experience, highlighting the film’s cinematic journey under Australian director James Wan. The discussion delves into the historical context of the film, including the true story of the Perron family haunting in 1971, offering insights into how Hollywood adapted the real events for the screen.
Jason, being a paranormal investigator himself, discusses the accuracy of the film's depiction of paranormal investigations and how Hollywood often takes liberties with true stories. The conversation continues to explore the Warrens' controversial standing in the paranormal community.
The segment explores the film's development process, revealing that it was once set to release under the title "The Warren Files," and how it took several years to come to fruition. Jason credits director James Wan's unique style and focus on atmosphere for the film's success, emphasizing how "The Conjuring" revitalized interest in classic haunted house stories.
The episode tackles the film’s sound design and atmospheric tension, noting that despite emerging during the torture porn era of horror, "The Conjuring" stood out for its reliance on suspense over gore. Jason commends the casting choices and the outstanding performances, particularly highlighting Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson's portrayals of the Warrens.
The show closes with a look into the supposed supernatural occurrences during filming, including alleged curses and hauntings that mirrored the film's theme, adding an extra layer of intrigue and promotion to the movie’s legacy.