GHOST KEEPERS (1981) horror thriller

Description

GHOST KEEPER (1980)
Sadly unknown, spooky little gem.
Review by “larsenjanda24” courtesy I.m.d.b.
I saw this film at a rather young age when I rented it from a video store, and it really, really scared me. "Ghostkeeper" is about three friends (two women and one man) who are snowmobiling during the holidays up in the mountains. Despite a storekeepers warning, they head up the slopes, only to have one of the women crash her snowmobile. With only one snowmobile left for transportation, and a snowstorm coming in, the three decide to stay in an old abandoned hotel lodge looming in front of them. They meet an old lady (played by Georgie Collins, who actually gives a really scary performance) who is living there with her unseen son, but she is hiding a ghostly secret.
Definitely one of the better '80s horror films, this unknown little chiller should be a familiar entry in the genre, but sadly is seen by hardly anybody. It didn't receive a big release and got little attention, which is really too bad because of how good the film is. The storyline actually original, and the setting is, in one word - CREEPY! The isolated lodge and the snowy mountain backdrop are a nice accent to the film and really add to it's scariness, and are a little reminiscent of "The Shining". The acting is mediocre, but so what? It's an '80s horror flick, you can't expect Oscar-worthy performances. The strange ending will leave you creeped out but also satisfied. I love this film because of it's simple set-up and foreboding spookiness. Surely an underrated little horror gem. If you can get a hold of it (since it's now pretty hard to find, only being available on a long out-of-print video tape), definitely do. It's one of the better (and overlooked) early '80s horrors. 10/10.
A Chilling, Underrated Horror Masterpiece
Review by “themonsterman-1519316” courtesy I.m.d.b.
Simply put, Jim Makichuk's Ghostkeeper is one of the most underrated, and undeservedly little seen horror films ever made. Set in the snow-covered Canadian Rockies, it's as chilling as the location it's set in. Some reviewers have complained about the film being "dull", having unlikable characters, mediocre acting, and a disappointing monster. As a fellow film nerd/maker, one must understand the point of each scene and performance in a film. For better or worse. That being said, I find it hard to understand the criticisms that have been given to this film. It's slow moving to be sure, but like everything in the film, it's all done with a purpose. Compared to the fast-paced horror films now-a-days, I found it a welcome relief that this film didn't rush it's proceedings. Because of that more time is spent developing its atmosphere, and characters into something that is both believable and real. The story itself is rather interesting, with echoes to both The Shining, and Psycho. Having the main characters being forced to stay in an abandoned building is nothing new. However, the writers take this done-to-death premise and made it their own, fashioning it into something that is both mesmerizing, and haunting. The cinematography is nothing short of mesmerizing, and extremely well done, with shots of darkened corridors to ones on the cloudy, snow-covered landscape quietly building its atmosphere and mood. These shots are also helped by composer Zaza's low-key, and unsettling score, which manages to get under your skin and stay there in spite yourself. Personally, it's one of my favorite movie soundtracks, with it's low vocals, and minimalist tunes recalling John Carpenter's legendary score for Halloween. The performances are also a highlight of the film, with each character slowly fleshed out into someone that is both believable, and realistic. As in real life the film's character's are far from perfect, with very distinct flaws that give each one distinction and relatability. As the film progresses at its slow and deliberate pace, we gradually learn more about each character which enhances ones involvement in them and the story. One of the other criticisms that some people have is that on the title monster, that of the purported Wendigo. Although the film's low budget limited what the film's makers originally wanted their title monster to look like, their decision actually works for the better. According to folklore, a person who consumes human flesh or is possessed by the the Wendigo's spirit will turn into a "Human Wendigo". By having their monster being represented as a deformed man not only fits with folklore, but also (maybe unintentionally) lends it a allegorical/symbolic nature. The fact that madness, one of the major themes in the film, can twist a person into something horrible is actually quite an unnerving statement. The monster can also represent another theme that it prevalent on the film, and relocatable to its monster... That of hunger. There are several instances where one character's hunger, either sexual or the need for sustinance, results in consequences that come back to haunt them. This is also and unnerving point that can be embodies within the film's title monster. No film is perfect, and this one is no exception. Flaws such as the rare occurance of overacting at one point, are outweighted by the film's strengths. Ghostkeeper might not be for everyone. But for those who like their horror films slow and deliberately paced with a fair amount of chills along the way then this is an essential viewing.
16mm / Sound / Color - Eastman stock marked with 1982 code  / 87 minutes / mylar stock so no chance of V.S. /. Vg shape
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