The Stir of Echoes franchise is an incredibly well-thought-out and well-researched set with a book and two movies. The film takes the sixth sense, and puts it into a universally personal view.
The original Stir of Echoes film is based off of, what is arguably one of Richard Matheson’s finest stories, A Stir of Echoes. It was also one of the best and purest contemporary ghost stories published. The idea of it was that after a time of being hypnotized, Tom Witzky (played by Kevin Bacon) gains psychic powers that allow him occasional glimpses of the past, of present ghosts or the future itself. Little does he know that his son Jake has had the ability all the while, and has been talking to the ghost of a woman murdered in their house before they moved in.
It was followed up with the Stir of Echoes 2: Homecoming. It, along with many movies that have been coming out since late 2006 and early 2007, brought the war on terror home, while staying true to its roots. It also mixed in a level of the mystique and mysticism of Jacob’s Ladder, which followed a veteran who is tormented by his deeds during his tour of duty. Unfortunately, since the psychic ability popped up with a traumatic, near-death experience, Ted Cogan (played by Rob Lowe) is also tormented by the deeds of someone else. The ghost of someone who died while he was out of the country, as well as the ghosts of the family who died by delayed reaction to his command to fire a warning shot, are all following him.
The book, and original movie, were perfect just the way they were. They both had an incredible load of atmosphere to them. Every little nuance that they threw into the picture worked like a charm. They worked perfectly in the context that they were presented in. The original Stir of Echoes movie had a great cast that had a lot of chemistry together. That made the ghostly tale all the more believable. The soundtrack was the perfect mood setter and the camera and lighting work, although simplistic, ended up heightening the emotion of each individual shot.
Homecoming is a different story though. Yes it is an adequate ghost story, telling tales of anger, regret and redemption. However, it could’ve been so much better. What worked in it was the intense level of guilt that was portrayed by Rob Lowe. The story was also one that gripped the mind. Lowe and the intelligent story were literally the saving grace of the movie. Also, things popped up that referenced things which were cut out of the original film’s story, but were in the book. Homecoming was just mediocre. What they did right was dead on. What they did wrong ended up diminishing the film.
The cast was great, but the chemistry between the actors and actresses wasn’t believable. The soundtrack was perfect for setting the mood, but it was misapplied at times. The story was intelligent, moving and unsettling like a true horror movie should be, but camera work, lighting and a reliance on shock didn’t make it quite as cohesive or unsettling as its predecessor. It works as a sequel but suffers the same problems as the stereotypical sequel.
The Stir of Echoes franchise is one of the best true horror franchises out there, and is worth the time of anyone who really wants explore the psychic strain. Enjoy and open your mind once in a while. There’s no telling how much more you will see.
If you want more information on psychic phenomena, or ghosts from unsolved mysteries and known crimes alike, you can contact Jonathan Gronli at jon.gronli@gmail.com