10 Scariest Boogeymen In Films

Carnival of Souls was released in 1962 to commercial obscurity. It’s the sole director credit for Herk Harvey, who also performs as the films villain, simply referred to as The Man.

Carnival of Souls has since garnered a cult following and has been cited as an influence by several filmmaking luminaries including David Lynch. It’s clear to see why - the film is a dreamlike proto-Lynchian slow-burn horror, relying on a steadily creeping sense of unease, thanks largely to the cast of bizarre characters encountered by the film’s heroine, Mary.

The Man is a gas-lighting ghoul who haunts Mary after she becomes fascinated by the abandoned carnival on the outskirts of the new town she’s moved to.

Dressed simply in a black suit like an undertaker and liberally covered with amateur looking makeup; Herk Harvey exudes more menace with his wry smile than most horror movie monsters can conjure with any number of flashy effects.