SINISTER (2012) and Some of Its Secrets

SINISTER (2012) and Some of Its Secrets

The 2012 film SINISTER is often considered one of the scariest ever made.

Here are some little-known curiosities:

The Inspiration for the Plot:
It seems incredible, but screenwriter C. Robert Cargill says he got the idea for Sinister after having a nightmare following his viewing of The Ring (2002); the image of a hanged family was the main element that triggered the concept of the film.

The Super 8 Footage Scenes:
The eerie “home video” footage used in the film was shot on real Super 8 film to increase the authenticity and the graininess typical of old films.

The Demon Bughuul:
Although Bughuul seems like a creature from folklore or mythology, he is a character entirely invented for the film. His design was inspired by macabre art and classic horror masks.

The Haunted House:
The production of the film took place in a real house, and the actors reported feeling a creepy atmosphere even outside the set, especially at night.

The Sound of the Super 8 Projector:
The hum and sound of the Super 8 projector heard during the screenings of the home videos were amplified to create constant tension and further disturb the audience.

Ethan Hawke’s Performance:
Ethan Hawke, who plays writer Ellison Oswalt, had never seen the home videos before shooting his reactions, making his response to what he sees in the film more natural and direct.

The Low Budget:
Sinister was made on a relatively low budget of about $3 million. Despite this, it was hugely successful at the box office, grossing over $87 million worldwide.

The Crime Setting:
The film was primarily shot in the state of New York, but the narrative setting is in an unspecified suburban town. The main house and its interiors were designed to appear anonymous and ordinary, creating greater contrast with the horrific discoveries made inside.

Collaboration with Jason Blum:
Sinister was one of the early successes for producer Jason Blum, who would go on to create the famous Blumhouse brand, known for producing other horror films like Paranormal Activity, The Purge, and many more.

The Pool Scene:
One of the murders in the Super 8 footage, in which a family is drowned in a pool, was filmed under particularly challenging conditions, as shooting in water required many hours of night work to ensure the actors’ safety.

Small details that helped create a global success!

SINISTER (2012) and Some of Its Secrets

---