| Only Booga's By Debrah LeBlanc |
| The first time I saw the Exorcist, my husband (then boyfriend) and I were sitting in a single-screen cinema packed with people. With arms linked and popcorn in hand, we listened to the nervous laughter and chatter while waiting for the feature to begin.
The second the lights dimmed and the big screen sputtered to life, silence fell over the crowd. From that moment on, the only sounds we heard until the end of the movie were gasps, a few, “Oh, Jesus!” and an occasional, “Don’t go in that room, stupid!” When the movie ended and the lights came on, I expected an uproar of conversation while everyone headed out of the building. But not one person moved. It was as if everyone had suddenly turned to stone. After what seemed like hours, people finally started getting out of their seats. They walked quietly, single file to the exits, still no one speaking. My husband and I followed suit. Once outside, I noticed people hurrying to their cars, glancing over their shoulder every other step. I didn’t find their actions unusual because I was doing the very same thing. It wasn’t until we were locked safely in the car that I let out a breath I didn’t even know I’d been holding. Finally, I looked over at my husband, and we started to chuckle. The chuckles soon turned into belly laughs, and we had no idea why. I had never witnessed an entire theater bound in fear before. I’ve yet to see it since. Oh, occasionally I’ll see one or two people jump at what I call ‘booga, booga’ scenes. You know, when something unexpected jumps out at a character on the screen? But for a film to paralyze a whole theater? It’s been far too long. Maybe we don’t frighten so easily anymore because we’ve become anesthetized by life in general. Real blood and gore, mayhem and evil are at our viewing disposal everyday via the media. Still, I keep hoping. When a new horror flick comes out, I’m usually the first in line to check it out. Ninety-nine percent of the time I leave disappointed. Once again, only booga’s. I often wonder what kind of film would frighten a crowded theater today. What measure of horror would it take to stun them all into silence? Now that, my friend, is a frightening thought. |
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