Was The Movie Candyman Based On A True Story
The horror movie genre has always been popular among audiences, and one of the most iconic horror movies of the 90s was Candyman. Directed by Bernard Rose, the movie tells the story of a killer with a hook for a hand who is summoned by saying his name five times in front of a mirror.
But as the movie gained popularity, many people started to wonder: was Candyman based on a true story? In this article, we will explore the origins of the movie and whether it was inspired by real events or not.
The Origin of Candyman
The story of Candyman actually originated from a short story called "The Forbidden" by Clive Barker. The story was published in his "The Books of Blood" series in 1985 and revolved around a killer with a hook for a hand who was summoned by saying his name five times in front of a mirror.
Bernard Rose, the director of Candyman, was a fan of Clive Barker's work and decided to adapt the story into a screenplay. However, he changed the setting from Liverpool to Chicago and added new elements to the story, such as the character of Helen Lyle, a graduate student researching urban legends.
The Inspiration Behind Candyman
While Candyman was not based on a true story, it was inspired by real events and urban legends. Bernard Rose was particularly interested in the story of Ruthie Mae McCoy, a woman who lived in the Cabrini-Green housing project in Chicago. McCoy claimed that she had been attacked by a man who came through her bathroom mirror.
The Cabrini-Green housing project was known for its high crime rates and poverty, and Rose decided to use it as the setting for Candyman. He also incorporated other urban legends and ghost stories from Chicago, such as the story of the Devil Baby of Hull House.
The Legacy of Candyman
Candyman was released in 1992 and was a box office success, grossing over $25 million worldwide. The movie spawned two sequels, Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh (1995) and Candyman: Day of the Dead (1999), as well as a upcoming sequel set to be released in 2021.
But Candyman's legacy goes beyond the box office success. The movie has become a cult classic and is often cited as one of the best horror movies of the 90s. It has also been praised for its social commentary on poverty, race, and urban legends.
The Verdict
In conclusion, Candyman was not based on a true story, but it was inspired by real events and urban legends. The movie has become a classic in the horror genre and has left a lasting impact on popular culture.
Whether you believe in the legend of Candyman or not, one thing is for sure: saying his name five times in front of a mirror is not something you want to do!