As quickly as one could say Boo!, the weather in Indiana has started to change.
The autumn season is falling upon the Midwest. With the Halloween spirit filling everyone up, spiderwebs and spooky decor galore are also being strung up. But, as the cool, autumn breeze goes, the joy of fall films comes. And, with fall films comes a comforting way to colorfully immerse oneself in the changing of seasons.
As the temperatures drop, not only are film lovers gearing up for Halloween but also for Christmas. In anticipation, Senior Zahir Aydogdiyev is excited to re-watch some of the classics. “My favorite films are either Nightmare Before Christmas or Hocus Pocus.” Adding further, Aydogdiyev states, “I love Nightmare Before Christmas because the two holidays–Halloween and Christmas–are so contrasting that, when combined, make a really neat and niche watch.”
This movie not only enhances the spooky spirit, but the holiday spirit, as well. Aydogdiyev’s closing pitch for watching it is this: “Tim Burton’s iconic claymation is also just fantastic.” Tim Burton, famous film director and producer, maker of Nightmare Before Christmas, is quite well known for his macabre and whimsical aesthetics, all which further encapsulates the fall spirit.
A notably common theme amongst entertainment consumers, many find themselves drawn to moodier and more Gothic tones when it comes to fall movies–Sophomore Paige Acord being a prime example. Acord shares her thoughts. “My favorite autumn movie would have to be Isle of Dogs. Wes Anderson movies really remind me of fall; they’re always off-putting in a way without it being ‘scary’.”
Despite the joy the holidays bring, the weather isn’t always cool breezes and the falling of leaves. With the transition into autumn comes rainy and foggy days, which for many affect their mood, dampening it. Acord adds a testament to that. “The way the characters change throughout the movie really brings me hope; I always feel a little gloomy during fall, so it’s a nice pickup!” So, even in the darker days, the comfort of a fall movie can brighten even the gloomiest days.
Following the theme of Wes Anderson movies, Senior Emma Kalmar offers up yet another movie title. “My favorite fall/Halloween movie is Fantastic Mr. Fox because it really sets the mood for fall. I always watch it when the weather gets colder and the leaves fall.” This film features a very warm, comforting, and autumn-esque color palette, matching the many colors–browns, reds, oranges, and yellows–seen outside home windows with the changing of seasons.
No matter how one may feel about autumn, the warmth gained through watching a fall movie is undeniable. Nostalgia, comfort, and melancholy are essential ingredients to the perfect “fall film food.” Much like the feeling of the first sip of warm apple cider, the sentiments that come with fall films are enough to fill anyone with warmth.
