The Amityville Horror (2005 film)
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| The Amityville Horror (2005 film) | |
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| Name | The Amityville Horror |
| Caption | Theatrical release poster |
| Director | Andrew Douglas |
| Producer | Michael Bay, Andrew Form, Bradley Fuller |
| Screenplay | Scott Kosar |
| Based on | The Amityville Horror, Jay Anson |
| Starring | Ryan Reynolds, Melissa George, Jesse James, Jimmy Bennett, Chloë Grace Moretz, Philip Baker Hall, Rachel Nichols |
| Music | Steve Jablonsky |
| Cinematography | Peter Lyons Collister |
| Editing | Roger Barton |
| Studio | MGM, Dimension Films, Platinum Dunes |
| Distributor | MGM (United States), Dimension Films (International) |
| Released | 2005, 04, 15 |
| Runtime | 90 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $19 million |
| Gross | $108 million |
The Amityville Horror (2005 film) is a supernatural horror remake of the 1979 film of the same name, itself based on the 1977 book by Jay Anson. Directed by Andrew Douglas in his feature debut and produced by Michael Bay's Platinum Dunes, the film presents a fictionalized account of the alleged paranormal events experienced by the Lutz family at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York. Starring Ryan Reynolds and Melissa George, the 2005 version incorporates new narrative elements and intensified horror sequences, achieving significant commercial success despite mixed reviews from critics.
Plot
In December 1975, George Lutz and Kathy Lutz purchase a large Dutch Colonial house in Amityville, New York, at a reduced price due to the previous year's DeFeo family murders. Their family includes Kathy's three children from a previous marriage: Billy, Michael, and Chelsea. Soon after moving in, George begins experiencing violent mood swings and chilling visions, while the children are terrorized by a malevolent entity, particularly the youngest, Chelsea, who befriends an invisible girl named Jodie. Investigations by family friend Father Frank Callaway reveal the house was built on a site where John Ketcham, a 17th century Puritan colonist and witch, tortured and murdered Native Americans. The supernatural force manipulates George into reenacting Ketcham's and Ronald DeFeo Jr.'s crimes, culminating in a night of terror where George nearly kills his family before Kathy helps break the house's hold, leading them to flee their home forever.
Cast
* Ryan Reynolds as George Lutz * Melissa George as Kathy Lutz * Jesse James as Billy Lutz * Jimmy Bennett as Michael Lutz * Chloë Grace Moretz as Chelsea Lutz * Philip Baker Hall as Father Frank Callaway * Rachel Nichols as Lisa * Brendan Donaldson as Ronald DeFeo Jr. * Isabel Conner as Jodie DeFeo * Annabel Armour as Carolyn DeFeo * Alexis Kendra as Dawn DeFeo
Production
Development of the remake was spearheaded by Dimension Films and the newly formed production company Platinum Dunes, founded by Michael Bay, Andrew Form, and Bradley Fuller. Scott Kosar, known for his work on ''The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'' (2003), wrote the screenplay, which took greater creative liberties with the source material than the 1979 adaptation. Andrew Douglas, primarily a documentary and commercial director, was hired for his feature directorial debut. Principal photography took place in Illinois, with the iconic house exterior constructed in Lakeshore East, Chicago, and interior sets built at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios. The score was composed by frequent Michael Bay collaborator Steve Jablonsky.
Release
The film was released theatrically in the United States on April 15, 2005, by MGM. Its marketing campaign heavily emphasized the connection to the "true story" and the involvement of producer Michael Bay. It debuted at #1 at the North American box office, grossing over $23 million in its opening weekend. International distribution was handled by Dimension Films.
Reception
Critical reception was largely negative, with many reviewers criticizing its reliance on jump scares and genre clichés. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports a 24% approval rating. However, performance by Ryan Reynolds was frequently noted as a highlight. The film was a major commercial success, grossing over $108 million worldwide against a $19 million production budget, solidifying the remake strategy of Platinum Dunes. It was nominated for several MTV Movie Awards and Teen Choice Awards.
Home media
The film was released on DVD and VHS in North America on August 30, 2005, by MGM Home Entertainment. The DVD release included audio commentary, deleted scenes, and featurettes on the real-life case and the film's production. A Blu-ray edition was later released on September 18, 2007. It has since been made available on various digital distribution and streaming platforms, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Category:2005 horror films Category:American films Category:2000s horror film remakes Category:Films scored by Steve Jablonsky