“The Mark of the Bell Witch” is more than just a horror-documentary from Small Town Monsters, but a great representation of Americana folklore.
The film, which is out Dec. 15, follows Seth Breedlove and Small Town Monsters formula of mixing documentary storytelling with visual reenactments that are full of folk tropes. Ultimately, the story of the Bell Witch comes across as more of a ghost story than what we think of what a “witch” is from popular culture. Plenty of elements of paranormal are here; large, vicious dogs, thunder birds, spirits, orbs and supernatural stories that tie in with the Southern heritage of the time.
Breedlove breaks up the reenactments in chapters, which is effective in telling the stories of legend, and then cutting to expert opinions from folklorists and local historians. The method has become a new norm in the Small Town Monsters films, but in some installments the technique works better than others, and that is the case with “The Mark of the Bell Witch.”
There are various theories discussed in the film, and the legend from 1820 is still taught and debated in Tennessee to this day. Andrew Jackson allegedly had his own encounter with the entity. For those who are well-read on all areas of the paranormal, you can make your own assumptions to the story that is presented here. Was it a real supernatural scenario, or just an old tale passed down ?
-By MIKE DAMANTE
If you are a fan of Small Town Monsters, check out Mike Damante’s latest book “Punk rock and UFOs: Stranger Than Fiction” that features interviews with Seth Breedlove, folklorists, and others. Order here.