For Helen the myth has been confirmed. There is no '
Candyman' and whilst she may have been given a nasty scar from one his deluded followers she can now laugh at the ridiculous idea of such a thing truly exisiting. In an isolated car park however her worst fears are truly realised as she comes face to face with the genuine article. First we are offered just a couple of quick shoots of his black shoes and long cloak but even just in this small detail there is something about the figure's stance that is immediately unnerving. Then for the first time we hear him speak revealing a booming and lyrical voice with haunting tones. Finally after all the long awaited build up we get the first shot of the man himself. He is tall, striking and handsome and holds himself with a mesmerising and authoritative calm. In this moment Helen starts to lose her cool and as she tries to turn the images of the candyman art work flash through her mind. 'Candyman' doesn't have to move a muscle to gain momentum and in this there is something terrifying about the strength of his legacy and his ability to manipulate the mind. As he walks towards her his sense of control becomes greater and his presence more terrifying.
Helen is now completely under his spell, hypnotised through wide eyed fear as the Candyman confirms that he is in fact the real deal. His smooth, arresting vocals and striking facial expressions heighten his element of power and the tension then reaches a breaking point as we witness the bloody hook on his hand. "Be my victim" he gleams in romantic tones. Helen is powerless to his terrifying charm and what follows next is written verbatim of some of the greatest lines in horror movie history:
"I am the writing on the wall / The whisper in the classroom / Without these things I am nothing / So now I must shed innocent blood."
Like Helen we are absorbed by his nightmarish aura and fascinated by the visually arresting imagery which spills from his lips. And just like the film's protagonist we become vulnerable and trapped. It is just a car park featuring two characters but this scene proves that what truly makes great horror is the power of visual implication, brilliant use of mise en scene, good, convincing acting and a villain who is able to make the hairs on the back of my neck through presence alone.
Scariest Movie Moments #21 THE BLAIR WATCH PROJECT The EndingScariest Movie Moments #22 VACANCY Video TapeScariest Movie Moments #23 NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN Call ItScariest Movie Moments #24 FINAL DESTINATION 3 Tanning BoothScariest Movie Moments #25 SESSION 9 SimonScariest Movie Moments #26 THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY Shooting At The CameraScariest Movie Moments #27 FATAL ATTRACTION Bunny BoilerScariest Movie Moments #28 WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE Dinner Is ServedScariest Movie Moments #29 THE SHINING Opening CreditsScariest Movie Moments #30 FRENZY Youre My Type of WomanScariest Movie Moments #31 SORRY, WRONG NUMBER The End Scene