The Frighteners (1996)

Last updated:
October 11, 2024

The Frighteners is a horror-comedy directed by Peter Jackson, blending supernatural elements with dark humor and mystery. Released in 1996, it stars Michael J. Fox in one of his last live-action roles before stepping back from acting due to Parkinson’s disease. The film stands out with its quirky tone, impressive visual effects (for the time), and a unique mix of ghostly fun and genuine suspense.

Detailed Summary

Introduction: Frank Bannister’s Ghostly Grift

The film begins by introducing Frank Bannister (Michael J. Fox), a former architect turned paranormal investigator. However, Frank is no ordinary ghostbuster—he can actually see and communicate with ghosts, but rather than using his powers altruistically, he runs a scam with the help of his ghost friends. He sends these spectral partners to haunt homes, and then swoops in to “exorcise” them for a fee.

This initial setup is humorous, presenting Frank as a morally dubious but likeable protagonist with a tragic backstory—his wife died under mysterious circumstances, leading to his breakdown and newfound ability to see the dead.

The Town Murders: A Real Ghostly Threat

The film takes a darker turn when people in Frank’s town begin to die suddenly from heart attacks, though Frank can see a spectral figure near the victims. This ghostly figure, resembling the Grim Reaper, marks each victim with a glowing number on their forehead before taking their lives.

As the body count rises, Frank is blamed for the deaths by the eccentric FBI agent Milton Dammers (Jeffrey Combs), who is convinced that Frank is involved in these supernatural occurrences.

Lucy and the Discovery of Johnny Bartlett

Frank meets Dr. Lucy Lynskey (Trini Alvarado), a recent widow whose husband was one of the victims. Together, they begin to investigate the mysterious deaths and uncover a dark history in the town: a mass-murderer named Johnny Bartlett (Jake Busey) who was executed years ago after going on a killing spree at the local hospital. Frank realizes that Bartlett’s ghost is continuing his killing spree from beyond the grave, aiming to set a new record for the highest body count.

Frank’s Sacrifice and Confrontation with Bartlett

Frank decides to take drastic measures to stop Bartlett’s ghost, even temporarily dying to confront him in the afterlife. This leads to a tense showdown between Frank, Bartlett, and his accomplice, Patricia Bradley (Dee Wallace), who helped with Bartlett’s original killings.

Frank defeats Bartlett and Patricia, allowing them to be dragged into the afterlife where they can no longer harm the living.

Movie Ending

In the end, Frank is finally able to put his wife’s death to rest and finds peace. He begins a romantic relationship with Lucy, and it’s implied that he no longer has the ability—or perhaps the desire—to see ghosts. As Frank moves forward with his life, his ghostly friends also find peace and move on from their earthly ties.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, The Frighteners does not have any post-credits scenes. Once the movie ends, the credits roll without any additional footage or teasers.

Type of Movie

The Frighteners is a blend of horror, comedy, and supernatural thriller. It balances light-hearted ghost antics with darker elements of murder and mystery, offering a unique take on the ghost story genre.

Cast

Michael J. Fox as Frank Bannister
Trini Alvarado as Lucy Lynskey
Jake Busey as Johnny Bartlett
Jeffrey Combs as Milton Dammers
Dee Wallace as Patricia Bradley
Chi McBride as Cyrus, one of Frank’s ghost partners
John Astin as The Judge, an ancient ghost

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score was composed by Danny Elfman, known for his work on Beetlejuice, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and many Tim Burton films. Elfman’s score for The Frighteners balances eerie and playful tones, enhancing both the horror and comedic elements of the film.

Filming Locations

The movie was filmed primarily in Wellington, New Zealand, Peter Jackson’s home country. The small-town setting and surrounding countryside provided the perfect atmosphere for the eerie, haunted town vibe that the movie needed. This also marked Jackson’s first foray into Hollywood filmmaking, despite using primarily New Zealand locations and crews.

Awards and Nominations

Nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Horror Film by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films.
Nominated for Best Director (Peter Jackson) and Best Actor (Michael J. Fox) at the Saturn Awards.

While not a huge commercial success, the film gained a cult following, especially due to its groundbreaking use of visual effects.

Behind the Scenes Insights

The Frighteners was originally intended to be a Tales from the Crypt movie before being developed into a stand-alone film.
Michael J. Fox was frequently injured during the production due to the physical nature of the role and the extensive use of practical effects.
Director Peter Jackson used The Frighteners as a proving ground for his special effects team, Weta Digital, which would later work on The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Inspirations and References

Peter Jackson has cited influences from old-school horror-comedies like An American Werewolf in London and Beetlejuice in shaping the tone of The Frighteners. The character of Frank Bannister was also inspired by classic ghost-hunter archetypes.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

While there are no known alternate endings, there are a few deleted scenes included in the special edition of the film. These scenes include more backstory for the ghosts Frank works with, adding a bit more depth to their characters.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The Frighteners is an original film and not based on a book. However, a novelization of the movie was released, which expanded on some of the characters’ backstories, particularly Frank’s relationship with his wife and the backstory of Johnny Bartlett.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The hilarious sequence where Frank’s ghost partners fake a haunting in order to scam a family.
The first appearance of the Grim Reaper figure killing one of Frank’s clients.
Frank’s confrontation with Bartlett in the hospital, culminating in a thrilling and ghostly showdown.

Iconic Quotes

Frank Bannister: “You’re about as psychic as a ham sandwich.”
Milton Dammers: “I have seen the gates of Hell!”
Johnny Bartlett: “I like killing people. It’s just something I do well.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Peter Jackson makes a cameo as a bumbling man on the street in a quick scene.
The name “Lynskey” (Lucy’s surname) is a nod to Melanie Lynskey, a New Zealand actress who starred in Jackson’s earlier film, Heavenly Creatures.
Weta Digital used some of the technology they were developing for The Lord of the Rings in this film, making the ghost effects look ahead of their time.

Trivia

Michael J. Fox accidentally called the town in the movie “Hill Valley” during filming, referencing his famous Back to the Future character, Marty McFly.
The film was originally released with an R rating due to its violent content, even though Jackson aimed for a PG-13 tone.
The Frighteners was the first film where Peter Jackson was able to work with a sizable Hollywood budget and studio support.

Why Watch?

The Frighteners is a must-watch for fans of horror-comedy, lovers of supernatural thrillers, or anyone who enjoys a mix of quirky humor and eerie atmosphere. Peter Jackson’s blend of gory thrills, laugh-out-loud moments, and Michael J. Fox’s charming performance make this film a standout in the horror-comedy genre.