PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Tourist Trap is a 1979 American horror film directed by David Schmoeller and starring Chuck Connors, Jocelyn Jones, Jon Van Ness, Robin Sherwood, and Tanya Roberts. It is an unnaturally entertaining flick, even if not absolutely perfect. Check out the trailer:
The film follows a group of friends who become stranded at a roadside museum run by a seemingly friendly proprietor (Connors), only to discover that there are sinister forces at work. The story revolves around that group of young adults who experience car trouble (imagine that in a horror movie!) and seek help at a nearby tourist attraction called Slausen’s Lost Oasis.
Again, lots of you horror fans will be like, “Uh, ok, been there, done that.” It sounds like just another horror movie, right? However, these young adults (and let’s face it: the ladies are hot and exploited as such) soon find themselves being hunted by a mysterious figure who uses telekinetic powers to control mannequins and other objects. That is the Tourist Trap difference.
Themes of Tourist Trap
Any horror film worth anything has at least one thing that sets it apart. Hitchcock’s The Birds has birds. Slugs (1988) has slugs. That might sound jokingly dismissive, but it’s oddly kind of not. If you’re reading a book and you’re halfway through and still ask, “What is this book about?”, the problem might not just be you, dear reader. It is possibly not the greatest piece of art ever conceived.
On that note, Tourist Trap at least offers a few things, such as the uncanny, and a freaky Chuck Connors with telekinetic powers. Sure, it abides by plenty of “genre conventions,” but it also has Chuck Connors manipulating objects with his goddamn mind. That’s got to be worth something, right? Damn right!
The eerie atmosphere of the roadside museum and the surreal nature of the antagonist’s abilities contribute to the film’s sense of unease. It’s successful enough that Tourist Trap has had some influences on horror over the years. Granted, I couldn’t offhand pinpoint what all those influences are, but it sounded right to type those words down, so I did. I also know I am probably right, as Tourist Trap is getting the remake treatment (for better or worse).
Why Did Tourist Trap Get Made Anyway?
The film draws inspiration from classic horror tropes, including elements of slasher films and supernatural horror. That being said, I hesitate to say it feels like a “slasher” film per se. It is one of those types of movies – technically – but feels a little different due to its manic, almost playful energy. That’s because it also incorporates elements of psychological horror, particularly in its portrayal of the protagonist’s descent into madness (common to “J-Horror” flicks).
My favorite thing about the movie is that it made me wonder what I’d do if I had such powers. It’s much like The Invisible Man series in that regard. Would I use Invisible Man powers for good, or would I let pervy impulses guide me? Tourist Trap has me wondering how I’d cope with the powers that Connors’ character has.
And here’s the beautiful thing about it: Chuck Connors actually doesn’t come off as cooler than me, or anyone else, in this flick. In fact, he’s a downright weirdo by pretty much anyone’s standards, and he seems really mixed up about what he’s doing. I like that. Granted, I could be misremembering parts of his performance and his character, but it sounded right to type those words down, so I did. I also know I am probably right.
Other Thoughts About This Film
Partly because of Carrie White having telekinetic powers, this movie has some of the feel of “vintage King.” You know, some of the good stuff. I like its atmosphere, suspenseful moments, and innovative use of practical effects, particularly in its portrayal of the antagonist’s abilities. It’s a movie that earned a legacy. Despite its relatively low profile at the time of its release, Tourist Trap has become a cult classic in the horror genre.
Sort of like John Carpenter‘s Christine, it just has some quirky elements that make it memorable. I’m sure it has influenced later films and has been cited as an inspiration by filmmakers and horror enthusiasts alike. This flick is deservedly remembered as a unique and unsettling entry in the horror genre, featuring memorable performances and a chilling atmosphere that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
Plus, that mask is frickin’ creepy, and it reminds me of that creepy mask worn by BTK. So just imagine that freaky nutcase with telekinetic powers, then try to tell me there’s no horror potential to that premise.
