Thursday, April 25, 2013

Voodoo Movies and Books


            Voodoo has always been fascinating to me ever since I saw a movie about it long ago. I can’t even remember which one, and it was likely not at all accurate – most of them aren’t – but it sparked an interest to learn what it’s really all about.
            Voodoo isn’t evil the way it’s depicted on television. It refers to several related religions, such as Louisiana Voodoo and Haitian Vodou, with roots in West African Vodun. I’m seriously oversimplifying here because it has such a rich culture and tradition, but the point is, it’s not all about voodoo dolls and zombies!
            However, voodoo dolls and zombies make for a really entertaining story! Here are a few of the most famous movies involving voodoo:

  • Angel Heart (1987) – This dark, complex horror film starring DeNiro, Rourke, and Bonet has become a cult classic.
  • The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988) – Loosely based on a nonfiction book, Wes Craven makes things downright scary!
  • White Zombie (1932) – I’m putting this one on my Netflix list since I haven’t seen it yet, but you gotta love the classics!
  • Skeleton Key (2005) – Okay, this one is a little bit of a cheat since it’s about hoodoo, not exactly voodoo, but it’s very creepy and awesome all the same.

           Warning – shameless marketing pitch here – if you want a fun fiction book with a touch of voodoo in it, check out my novel, Magick Charm! If you enjoy nonfiction, you'll also want to check out The Serpent and the Rainbow.
            What are your favorite voodoo movies and books?

3 comments:

  1. I researched a little on Voodoo when I was in college for a term paper in my french class. It was interesting and I admit I find myself attracted to it.
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    ~Summer
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  2. Hello, Jennifer! The voodoo I'm aware of is the kind Hollywood depicts, and that's usually really creepy and scary. I realize that's not how it really is, though; Hollywood dramatizes everything far too much. I've read a fiction book that had some voodoo in it. I can't remember the book title right now. But it was really interesting!

    Happy A to Z-ing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines

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  3. Both the Serpent And the Rainbow and the Skelton Key - messed me up big time!!! I don't know if you can have a heart attack while under a paralyizing drug- but if I couldn't move and someone put a freaking tarantula on my head... oh efffff!!!

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