magic-games.net – House (Hausu) (1977), directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi, is one of the most unique and surreal horror films in cinematic history. A kaleidoscope of colors, strange effects, and outlandish sequences, House is a genre-defying, visually inventive film that has captivated audiences for decades. Blending horror, comedy, fantasy, and the avant-garde, House is an experience unlike any other, defying traditional narrative structure and embracing an atmosphere of surrealism and playful absurdity.
Upon its release, House was an unexpected hit, and over the years it has garnered a devoted cult following. Its unconventional storytelling, eccentric characters, and striking imagery make it one of the most influential Japanese films of the 1970s. Often regarded as a psychedelic nightmare, House is a film that delights in its own strange logic, combining elements of horror with the bizarre and the whimsical to create something truly original.
Plot Overview: A Group of Girls Encountering the Supernatural
The plot of House revolves around a group of seven schoolgirls, each with a distinct personality, who travel to a secluded country home owned by the aunt of one of the girls, Gorgeous (played by Kimiko Ikegami). The girls—each with a unique name based on their characteristics—set out for a weekend of relaxation but are soon drawn into a series of increasingly bizarre and supernatural events.
As the girls explore the house, they quickly realize that it’s no ordinary home. The house appears to be alive, with a series of strange occurrences that seem to actively target the girls, picking them off one by one in increasingly bizarre and fantastical ways. From a carnivorous piano to a room filled with floating heads, the house seems to be a manifestation of the girls’ fears and fantasies, blending the supernatural with the surreal.
Throughout their time in the house, each girl experiences a strange and often violent fate, and the audience is treated to a dizzying array of unsettling and fantastical images. House embraces an atmosphere of nightmarish confusion, mixing whimsical fantasy with chilling horror, often making it difficult to discern whether the events on-screen are meant to be taken seriously or as absurd exaggerations.
Characters: A Study in Archetypes and Surrealism
The film’s characters are an eclectic group of schoolgirls who are each defined by their unique names, which give insight into their personalities and quirks. These characters serve as a microcosm of different aspects of femininity, innocence, and youthful exuberance. However, as the story unfolds, these traits become exaggerated and distorted, amplifying the surreal and horror elements of the narrative.
Some of the girls include:
- Gorgeous: The leader of the group and the one who invites the girls to her aunt’s house. She is the most beautiful and elegant of the group, with a glamorous personality.
- Sweet: The innocent, somewhat childlike girl who loves sweets.
- Prof: A girl with a love for books and knowledge, who is often seen reading or writing.
- Fantasy: The most imaginative of the group, prone to daydreams and flights of fantasy.
- Melody: The musical one, with an affinity for playing the piano.
- Kung Fu: The athletic girl who is skilled in martial arts.
- Poodle: The dog-loving girl who is often seen with a dog, embodying the more eccentric side of the group.
Each girl’s fate is tied to her defining characteristic, which is often twisted or exaggerated in a way that is symbolic of the darker, supernatural forces at play in the house. The house itself is the ultimate antagonist, playing on the girls’ individual personalities and transforming their fantasies into horrific realities.
Visual Style: A Surreal and Psychedelic Aesthetic
One of the most striking aspects of House is its visual style. The film’s unconventional use of color, effects, and editing makes it a feast for the eyes. It incorporates elements of traditional Japanese art, psychedelic visuals, and experimental techniques to create a dreamlike atmosphere that never feels grounded in reality. The film’s aesthetic is one of its most defining qualities, and it’s what elevates it from being merely a horror movie into something far more avant-garde and unique.
The use of color in House is particularly notable. Bright, garish hues dominate the screen, often contrasting with one another in surreal ways that heighten the film’s dreamlike quality. The film’s sets are vibrant and often look more like theatrical backdrops than real locations, contributing to its sense of unreality. The camera work is equally inventive, with angles and movements that feel deliberately exaggerated, adding to the sense of disorientation.
The visual effects are purposefully low-tech but charming in their surrealism. Stop-motion animation, in-camera effects, and optical illusions are used to create creatures and objects that seem to exist in a world beyond logic and reason. The floating heads, the piano that eats people, and the dismembered body parts are all presented with a playful, almost cartoonish quality, which somehow makes them even more disturbing. The film’s surrealism is accentuated by its use of sound, with an eclectic soundtrack that ranges from playful and whimsical to ominous and eerie.
Themes: Youth, Fantasy, and the Subversion of Horror
House is not just a straightforward horror film; it is also a subversion of many of the tropes found in traditional horror. The film plays with the conventions of horror storytelling, often turning them on their head with absurdity and surrealism. It examines the themes of youth and innocence, but it does so in a way that both celebrates and critiques them.
The film’s focus on the group of schoolgirls is a reflection on femininity and youth, particularly the way in which these qualities can be idealized and distorted. The girls, who start off as innocent and full of youthful energy, are slowly dismantled by the horrors of the house. Each girl’s death is tied to her characteristic flaw or excess, symbolizing how fantasy, desire, and innocence can quickly turn into nightmare. The film suggests that the gap between innocence and danger is razor-thin, and the carefree nature of youth can quickly give way to the darker side of existence.
Additionally, House critiques the genre conventions of horror itself. By refusing to follow a traditional narrative structure and instead embracing absurdity and chaos, the film mocks the formulaic nature of horror movies, which often rely on predictable tropes like the final girl or the inevitable confrontation with the antagonist. The film’s refusal to adhere to these conventions allows it to explore horror in a more abstract, emotional, and experimental manner.
Legacy: A Cult Classic and Horror Avant-Garde
Since its release, House has become a cult classic, particularly in the horror and experimental film communities. Its influence can be seen in the work of contemporary filmmakers who embrace surrealism and genre-bending techniques, including filmmakers like Takashi Miike and Quentin Tarantino. The film’s unconventional style and approach to horror have inspired numerous filmmakers to push the boundaries of what the genre can do.
While House was not a major commercial success upon its release, it has grown in stature over the years, thanks in part to its home video release and the growing interest in Japanese cinema. Its unique mix of horror, humor, and fantasy has ensured that it remains a beloved oddity in world cinema.
The film is often cited as a key example of the Japanese “J-horror” genre, though it defies easy categorization. It remains a prime example of how horror can be transformed through experimental storytelling, visual inventiveness, and a fearless approach to genre conventions.
Conclusion: A Whimsical, Unsettling Masterpiece
House (1977) is a one-of-a-kind film that blends horror, fantasy, comedy, and surrealism into a kaleidoscope of bizarre imagery and unsettling narratives. Its unconventional structure, eccentric characters, and striking visual style make it a must-watch for fans of experimental cinema and horror alike. The film’s themes of youth, fantasy, and the dangers of innocence are explored through a lens of absurdity and dark humor, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.
For those willing to embrace its unconventional approach to horror, House is a wild, unforgettable ride that leaves a lasting impression. It is a film that continues to captivate and fascinate, earning its place as one of the most unique and influential films in Japanese cinema. Whether you’re drawn to its grotesque imagery, its avant-garde aesthetic, or its subversion of genre conventions, House is a film that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll.
