Hollywood Paranormal Films: Fact & Fiction

by Jim O'Rear

‘Explore facts and theories behind famous, and infamous, paranormal cases and follow these incidents into the world of big-budget movies in Hollywood. Through behind-the-scenes stories and paranormal case documents, compare and analyze evidence behind blockbusters, such as The Amityville Horror, The Exorcist, The Changeling, An American Haunting, and more. Weigh in on the number of creatures raping ‘‘Carla’’ in The Entity—paranormal investigators claim three nasty ghosts; not one. It may be that demons, blood, and rape from the real world have made it to the screen in The Haunting in Connecticut. UFOs, Men-in-Black, poltergeist, Bigfoot, animal and human mutilations may all be responsible for real Mothman sightings … or not. Featured are over 70 timeless entertainer stills, movie posters, and horror film shots that will take you back to heart-racing moments viewing horror flicks on the silver screen. Relive the world of Hollywood's paranormal movies and separate ghosts from glitz and glamour.’

128 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2011

Reviews

[Jim Godfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good, especially if you like movies

[Horror DNA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know about you, but first thing I do after watching a film that proclaims to be based on a true story is to run to the internet to find out more – especially if I enjoyed the movie. Finding out if the film stuck close to the story, strayed from it or was a complete fabrication based on rumor and hearsay is always fun to investigate. In Jim O'Rear's Hollywood Paranormal Films: Fact & Fiction, he delves into 10 of these types of movies, from mainstream classics like The Exorcist and The Amityville Horror to box office bombs like The Haunting in Connecticut and The Exorcism of Emily Rose and some in between.

You can read Steve's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.

[Josh Hitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice little read that deals with 10 films based on paranormal type activity. It does an overview of the film and also dives into the "real" stories that the films are based on to see how similar the two are. It's well written and is a nicely put together book with lots of color photos of the films.

Recommended, it's a quick read, and the tales that the films are based on are interesting to read about.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where does possession and exorcism begin? Well, this anthology gives you a fantastic overview in which movies to watch: The Exorcism of Emily Rose, An American Haunting, The Amityville Horror (highlight, discussion if there's a curse or not), The Entity (theories and information on the real Carla), Dracula/Bram Stoker's Dracula (classics), The Changeling (love this one, has a very sinister atmosphere), The Exorcist (one of the eeriest movies ever made), The Haunting in Connecticut, The Mothman Prophecies (another favorite of mine), Audrey Rose. The author shows a lot of movie material, great photos, background information. This book is an absolute highlight for every fan of the possessed topic. Evil never dies. The same with this book. Really recommended!