31 More Days of Horror: Christine (1983)

With great deft, director John Carpenter creates yet another classic horror film in Christine. He effortlessly builds a monster in an inanimate object. And what begins as a nerdy senior who buys his first car, a real beater, becomes a tale of obsession and fear.

Key to the film is Christine, the 1958 Plymouth Fury.  I haven’t experienced this much fear of an auto since seeing Spielberg's Duel earlier in the year. Surprisingly, the special effects used on Christine are slick, but oddly believable. Vengeful and jealous, Christine will stop at nothing to keep Arnie for herself, methodically eliminating those who would dare to hurt Arnie. Keith Gordan as Arnie is quite convincing. His evolution from nerd to cocky punk is brilliantly played with cold assuredness. John Stockwell as his best friend Dennis is perfect foil. Their dialogue inside Christine is a highpoint in the film. Dennis is petrified by fear for himself and his friend. Arnie gripped by madness seems unaffected.

Creating an atmosphere of terror and suspense, Carpenter plays the deaths well. The assault on Mooch is spine-tingling, but it’s the demise of Buddy that I remember most vividly—Christine on fire, gunning for buddy. *shivers* Arnie’s viciousness peaks alongside his car. The exchange with his father correlates beautifully with Christine’s plotting.

Who is brave enough to separate this man and machine? The final stand between the bewitched and the boy couldn’t be more intense.

Christine is a simple masterpiece thanks to Carpenter’s unfailing direction. He succeeds beautifully in blending modest effects, dialogue, and story into a haunting tale. Oh, not to be overlooked is the ever present, but almost subliminal scoring that never fails to deliver that extra frightening touch. They don’t make movies like this anymore.