Candyman

Candyman, Candyman, Candyman, Candyman, Candyma-

Nevermind that, can’t risk it. I enjoy the new Candyman, I think it is an incredibly well made, albeit flawed, film. It is also especially interesting when looking at the film in the lens of a post slasher, and the differences between that and a normal slasher film.

I believe this is most interestingly showcased through perspective. Hutchings’ chapter about slashers and post slashers showcases how Candyman breaks the slasher perspective rule. The chapter notes that slashers would typically showcase a significant amount of the film from the slashers perspective, at least in the opening scene. Yet Candyman is different, and it also shifts the perspective from the original film in an incredibly well done way. 

Candyman never follows the perspective of the killer, and in this film Candyman is seen about as often as the shark from Jaws is seen. This creates more of a folklore and fairytale feel instead of a typical slasher just being about a masked maniac. The new Candyman also reclaims the original story and puts a light on black people directly instead of a white woman looking inwards. The film forces us to reflect on police brutality and other racial issues, and this shift in perspective proves to be by far the most effective part of the film.