On Oct. 30, the night before Halloween, the English department and Xanadu presented their annual event, The Ghost of Gaylord. The day was rainy and foggy, setting the perfect mood for a scary evening. Gaylord Hall was decorated with spooky decorations like ghosts, spiders and candles around the stairs as students walked up to Room 500, where the movie would take place. A variety of popcorn and candy was provided for students to enjoy.
This year, students and staff watched “Late Night with the Devil.” This supernatural horror film included a few jump scares but would be better categorized as a psychological thriller in most scenes.
After the movie, students and staff debriefed to discuss the history behind the movie. Though not based on a true story, the film incorporates elements of 1970s pop culture to create an eerie and original narrative. For example, the cult “De Grove,” depicted in the movie, is inspired by Bohemian Grove in California, a secret society that includes famous members such as Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and Clint Eastwood.
Another topic discussed after the movie was the “Satanic Panic” of the 1970s, as well as issues surrounding human trafficking and cults. The movie intertwines both ideas, particularly in the creation of one of the main characters, Lilly, who is involved in trafficking and has a demon in her.
Due to weather conditions, the planned s’mores and scary stories around the fire at Smith had to be canceled. However, the movie and discussion left everyone in a spooky spirit, just in time for Halloween.
