In 1979, The Amityville Horror scared the hell out of audiences as it followed a newlywed couple who began to experience strange manifestations after moving into a house where a murder was recently committed. Many never realized that the film's central story revolved around a true account. In Eric Walter's My Amityville Horror, former resident Daniel Lutz opens up to tell his story of what happened during his 28 day stay at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York.
The house on Ocean Avenue first gained notoriety on November 13, 1974, when Ronald DeFeo Jr., then 23, murdered his parents, two brothers, and two sisters in their beds. A year later, Daniel Lutz's parents purchased the home for pennies on the dollar, but evil forces disrupted their stay. Since the Lutzes many other families have occupied the residence, and none have encountered the evil said to be lurking within the confines of the walls, forcing many to question the validity of the original claim.
As a self-proclaimed horror junkie, I was immediately drawn to the story of Daniel Lutz and found it fascinating as he works to defend his family and their experiences within the now infamous house. But Walter's film never digs below the surface, choosing to stay within the fragile comfort zone of its lead subject. While the decision likely worked well during filming, the end result is a bit underwhelming as I often felt as if I were watching a 20/20 news special, not a theatrical documentary.
Most of the trouble lies within the film's lead subject as Lutz is often times unable to hold your attention. His personality is one dimensional, and his story rarely follows a linear path. His supporting staff, most of which were in the home at some point during the family's short stay, offer little assistance as they too generate minimal trust with those watching on.
The story itself is interesting, and Walter does work to provide answers while telling a story that has long been lost to the world of Hollywood. But with no proof and no real resolution, it is hard to look back at My Amityville Horror and not feel unsatisfied. There just isn't enough grit to justify its existence"”and that doesn't change with your belief in the paranormal.
