Boardinghouse

Boardinghouse, released in 1982, is an iconic horror movie that has since cultivated a dedicated following amongst cult-film enthusiasts. Directed by John Wintergate, who also lends his talents to the screen as the lead actor, and produced by Kalassu, Boardinghouse stands as an intriguing mixture of supernatural horror and slasher elements. Exploring themes of psychic power, haunting spirits, murder and occasional nudity for shock value, this B-movie showcases Wintergate in the role of a charming yet peculiar man named Jim Royce. The cast also includes Kalassu, performing under the pseudonym Alexandra Day, and Lindsay Freeman, each cast member contributing proficiently to the thrilling spectacle that is Boardinghouse.

Jim Royce, the main character of the story played by Wintergate, is an interesting character with psychic powers. He is a former magician who casts an uncanny charm over his surroundings, not least of which includes the women he encounters. The plot comes into focus when Jim inherits a large mansion from a relative who committed suicide under mysterious circumstances. Jim converts this house into a boardinghouse for an eclectic collection of young, attractive girls to live. Much of the movie revolves around the mysterious mansion, which turns out to have a chilling history and is speculated to be haunted.

Wintergate’s portrayal of Jim Royce is nothing short of astonishing. His charisma combined with the mystery surrounding his psychic powers keeps the audience on tenterhooks. The boardinghouse residents are all played admirably by the cast, with each girl exhibiting her unique characteristics and adding a different color to the film.

The character of Victoria, played by Kalassu, is particularly captivating. She is one of the girls residing in the boardinghouse, and it seems like she might be on the same psychic wavelength as Royce. The duo’s simultaneous exploration of their psychic abilities and relationship adds another layer to the narrative. In the meantime, Lindsay Freeman portrays Debbie, another one of the boarders, with a captivating performance.

The film efficiently creates a mysterious and creepy atmosphere around the boardinghouse and the people residing in it. Through well-crafted horror elements, it sets up a chilling premonition of ghosts and haunting spirits roused by the psychic energy. This eerie setting is made more suspenseful by the director's clever use of the first-person point of view that often switches between characters, making the audience feel like a part of the film.

Boardinghouse also falls into the category of early 'video nasty' films. Initially, it was directly released on video format before being adapted for the cinema. It's also one of the first horror films to be shot on video and blown up for 35mm film release.

In terms of the visual spectacle, 'Boardinghouse' doesn't disappoint. Its use of shocking scenes superiorly serve the purpose of creating fear and suspense. The innovative use of 'Horror Vision' warning, indicating the onset of particularly gruesome scenes, adds an entertainment quotient and highlights the film's embrace of its identity as a cult horror.

Despite its low budget, Boardinghouse delivers a commendable level of technical sophistication. The movie boasts many scenes with impressive special effects. Notably, the movie incorporates trick shots, slow-motion, and exaggerated color palettes to accentuate the trippy, outlandish nature of some portions of the story.

The sound design of the movie also deserves recognition. The film has an impressive synthwave soundtrack that complements and heightens the suspense and thrill of the narrative. Knowing when to amp up the volume and when to let silence hang heavy, the creators of the movie make brilliant use of sound to set and alter the mood, complementing the visual horror unfolding on the screen.

Overall, Boardinghouse stands as a testament to what can be achieved with minimal budget but maximum creativity. Brimming with supernatural scares, twisted humor, and a compelling narrative that keeps viewers guessing, 'Boardinghouse' is a must-watch for fans of cult horror flicks. It's a dark, thrilling roller coaster ride filled with unexpected twists and turns, guaranteed to keep its viewers on the edge of their seats. Although some parts may seem outdated by today's standards, it retains its vintage charm that continues to attract fans.