Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)

 October Challenge Day 9:

Sometimes you come across a film that leaves you so breathless it's a struggle to find the right words to describe the viewing experience. For me, one of those films is: 

Picnic at Hanging Rock

Soul-suckingly haunting, dreamy, and with a mighty dose of madness - this incredible film is one I will never, ever forget. 

Like the poster implies, this story revolves around a small boarding school and their venture to the Australian geological marvel, Hanging Rock. A fever dream of a nightmare ensues. 

Tangible yet also phantasmal, the viewers are taken through a trip of youth, lace, feathers, fresh linin, wraithlike order and obedience, blinding sun and grassy backgrounds - and there you'll stay until the bitter end. 

This bit of information from the Trivia section of IMDB pointed out something I couldn't quite put a finger on while viewing - and I think it's brilliant:

"Commentators have pointed that the film is set at the end of an era, from multiple points of view. The setting is the year 1900, the last year of the 19th century. Appleyard College represents the rigid culture of the Victorian era, and the era ended with Queen Victoria's death in 1901. The film's events are also placed a year before 1901, when the British colonies in Australia unified into the Australian federation"

*mind blown*

The film also felt very similar, at points, to The Virgin Suicides. Again, according to IMDB Trivia, this film had an influence on Sofia Coopola when making The Virgin Suicides. 

Originally a book, written by Joan Lindsay in 1967, The Hanging Rock has a long history of influencing the arts and legends. 

For example, here is William Ford's lovely painting from 1875: "At the Hanging Rock":

Additionally, here is an interesting article by The Telegraph regarding this spooky location, and another article by Elle Australia that also highlights the Picnic at Hanging Rock miniseries that came out in 2018 (of which I have yet to see!). *note, articles have spoilers

In all, this is a really terrifying film in that it infiltrates all your senses, leaves you hallow despite your desire for more, and again, so breathless it's a struggle to find the right words to describe the viewing experience.

I rented this film from Scarecrow Video, or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this phantom of a film.