The Spirit of halloweentown

The Spirit of Halloweentown is a captivating documentary by Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb that takes us to the heart of St. Helens, Oregon. This small town became famous in 1998 as the location for the original Disney Channel film, Halloweentown. Over the years, it has transformed this claim to fame into a month-long festival that attracts over 50,000 visitors every October. The documentary explores not only the event itself, but also the lives of the locals who adopt, navigate and sometimes struggle with their town's new identity as a real-life Halloween destination.

From the outset, the film invites viewers into the spooky yet enchanting atmosphere of St. Paul's. Cinematographer Brett Whitcomb brilliantly captures the town's visual transformation, blending quaint small-town charm with spooky decorations, foggy nights and lively celebrations. The documentary thrives on this duality - both the festive aspects of Halloween and the subtle, personal stories of the town's inhabitants. It bears witness to the depths to which a holiday can shape a community's identity.

The spirit of Halloweentown is first and foremost a community affair. The people of St. Helens have integrated their connection to the Halloweentown film in a way that goes beyond commerce. This festival isn't just about attracting tourists; it's a collaborative effort that brings the town together. From the volunteers who coordinate events to the families who decorate their homes, the documentary shows how Halloween has become a way of life for many St. Louis residents. For some locals, the festival is a cherished tradition, while for others, it represents a way to connect with their neighbors and find their place in the city.

Directors Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb wisely avoid reducing the film to a simple nostalgia for Halloweentown. While the Disney film is a central point of contact, the documentary focuses on how the film's legacy has shaped the town's identity over the past 25 years. It's not just about the past, but about how a shared cultural moment can become a defining characteristic for an entire community.

The film introduces viewers to a variety of fascinating personalities, each with a unique relationship to the festival. There's Colleen Ohler, a long-time resident who passionately cares for her home's decorations every year, transforming her property into a spectacle for visitors. Chris Cannard, a local historian, offers insight into the town's transformation and the challenges of living in a tourist mecca. Saydra Manning, a newcomer to the community, shares her journey to discover her place in this Halloween-obsessed town.

The exploration of the town's supernatural side is perhaps the film's most compelling. Many locals claim that St. Helens is not only themed around ghosts and ghouls, but is in fact haunted. This belief adds an intriguing layer to the story, blending Halloween fantasy with a genuine sense of mystery and disquiet. Ghost-hunting crews and locals recount strange encounters, adding depth to the documentary's tone and hinting at the possibility that the town's connection with the supernatural goes beyond cinema.

What makes The Spirit of Halloweentown resonate beyond its niche subject is its exploration of universal themes. At the heart of the documentary is a question of belonging, whether it's the sense of unity that the festival fosters among residents, or the personal questioning that individuals face as they navigate their own identities within this unusual context. There's also a subtle but poignant commentary on the tension between tradition and commercialization. As the festival grows, some locals worry about losing the authenticity that makes it special.

The documentary doesn't shy away from these complexities. It acknowledges that not everyone in St. Helens is thrilled with the annual influx of tourists. For some, the festival represents an intrusion, disrupting the quiet life they cherish. Others see it as an opportunity to share their love of Halloween while stimulating the local economy. This dynamic of attraction and repulsion is handled thoughtfully, adding a layer of realism to an otherwise festive tone.

One of the film's most surprising elements is its subtle opening into the horror genre. As directors, Thomason and Whitcomb are known for their nostalgic, feel-good documentaries, but here they venture into darker territory. Although the film is never overtly frightening, it effectively uses disturbing images and unsettling anecdotes to evoke a sense of unease. This shift in tone reflects the dual nature of Halloween: a holiday that's both fun and scary.

Despite its many strengths, The Spirit of Halloweentown is not without its faults. The story sometimes loses its way, particularly during the ghost-hunting sequences. While these moments add intrigue, they can seem disconnected from the larger themes of community and tradition. Similarly, a segment highlighting the inclusivity of the festival through drag performances, while laudable, seems somewhat out of place in the larger narrative. These detours, while interesting, detract from the film's overall cohesion.

The Spirit Halloweentown is a love letter to Halloween and the power of the collective imagination. It celebrates the creativity, passion and camaraderie that the holiday inspires, while poignantly reminding us of the importance of preserving traditions in a changing world. For fans of the Halloweentown franchise, it's a nostalgic treat; for everyone else, it's an invitation to discover the magic of a small town that has turned its connection with a beloved film into something truly extraordinary.

With its blend of charm, mystery and heartfelt storytelling, The Spirit of Halloweentown is a must-see for fans of Halloween and small-town America. It's a celebration of how a holiday can bring people together, stimulate creativity and give a sense of belonging. While it's not perfect, its imperfections are part of what makes it so authentic, as is the community it depicts. Whether you're a long-time Halloween enthusiast or simply curious to discover the magic of St. Helens, this documentary is sure to leave you smiling and perhaps with a little Halloween 
spirit in your heart.

The Spirit of halloweentown
Directed by Bradford Thomason, Brett Whitcomb
Produced by Rebecca Sheehan
Starring Chris Cannard, Colleen Ohler, Saydra Manning, Darrin Scholl,; Holcombe Waller
Cinematography : Brett Whitcomb
Edited by Bradford Thomason
Running time : 95 minutes

Viewed September 24, 2024 (Fantastic Fest press screener)

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