The intrigue and suspense that envelopes ‘How Awful About Allan’ is indeed captivating, not only for its storyline but also for the intricate details that lace both the book and the movie. The tale is a thrilling narrative about Allan, a man who suffers from psychosomatic blindness, and the haunting mysteries that surround him.
A book summary is a condensed version that brings out the core points of the story, offering a broad overview of the characters, the plot, and the themes. Similarly, a movie summary provides a concise overview of the movie’s plot, characters, and themes, but with an added visual element. In this article, we delve into the book and movie summary and analysis of ‘How Awful About Allan.’
Book Summary and Analysis of ‘How Awful About Allan’
The book ‘How Awful About Allan’ is a thrilling narrative that pulls you into the world of Allan, a man who is haunted by the death of his father and his sister’s disfigurement in a house fire. The book delves into Allan’s struggle with psychosomatic blindness and the eerie happenings that make him question his sanity.
A deep analysis of the book reveals that the author, Henry Farrell, uses the story to explore themes of guilt, paranoia, and the subjective nature of reality. Allan’s blindness is symbolic of his refusal to see the truth about his family’s tragedy, and his haunting experiences serve to heighten his feelings of guilt and paranoia.
The book’s suspenseful and eerie tone is effectively maintained throughout the narrative, making for a gripping read. Farrell’s writing style is engaging, and his ability to paint vivid mental images greatly enhances the reader’s experience.
Movie Summary and Analysis of ‘How Awful About Allan’
The movie adaptation of ‘How Awful About Allan’ stays true to the book’s storyline while adding a visual element that further enhances the suspense and intrigue. The movie follows Allan, who, after being released from a mental hospital, starts experiencing strange happenings that lead him to believe someone is out to get him.
The movie’s analysis reveals how the director, Curtis Harrington, effectively uses visual cues to create a foreboding atmosphere. The use of dark, shadowy lighting and close-up shots adds to the suspense, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
The performances by the cast, especially Anthony Perkins, who plays Allan, are commendable. Perkins does an excellent job portraying Allan’s anxiety and paranoia, making his character all the more believable.
‘How Awful About Allan’: Parent Guide
‘How Awful About Allan’ is a thriller that may not be suitable for younger viewers due to its suspenseful and eerie tone. However, it does offer valuable lessons on dealing with guilt and paranoia. The book and the movie can serve as a starting point for discussions with older teenagers about the importance of seeking help when dealing with mental health issues.
Parents should be aware that the story contains references to a house fire, resulting in death and disfigurement, and themes of mental illness. While these themes are dealt with sensitively, they may be distressing for some viewers.
Ultimately, the appropriateness of ‘How Awful About Allan’ for your child depends on their maturity level and ability to handle suspense and potentially distressing themes.
When and Where ‘How Awful About Allan’ Takes Place
‘How Awful About Allan’ is set in the late 1960s, as indicated by the cultural references and the characters’ attire. The story unfolds in a small town, with most of the events taking place within Allan’s family home.
The house serves as a central character in the narrative, with its dark, eerie ambiance adding to the suspense. Allan’s experience in the house, where he feels both safe and threatened, mirrors his internal conflict.
Dive into the Film Locations of ‘How Awful About Allan’
The movie ‘How Awful About Allan’ was filmed on location, adding an authentic feel to the story. The house used for Allan’s family home is a real, old-fashioned mansion, adding a sense of realism to the eerie atmosphere.
Other locations include the mental hospital where Allan was treated, and the town’s streets and local spots, where Allan encounters various townsfolk. These locations contribute to the movie’s suspenseful atmosphere by providing a realistic backdrop for the unfolding events.
Understanding the Characters: Who’s Who in ‘How Awful About Allan’
Allan, the protagonist, is a man haunted by guilt and paranoia. His blindness represents his inability to see the truth about his family’s tragedy.
Katherine, Allan’s sister, is a complex character. She is both caring and manipulative, using Allan’s guilt to control him.
The other characters, like the mysterious tenant and the townsfolk, contribute to the suspense by adding layers to the mystery.
Memorable Quotes from ‘How Awful About Allan’
Several quotes from ‘How Awful About Allan’ stand out for their ability to encapsulate the story’s eerie and suspenseful tone. For example, Allan’s statement, “I can’t see, but I can hear… I can hear,” underscores his struggle with his psychosomatic blindness.
Another quote that stands out is Katherine’s chilling line, “It’s not nice to hate, Allan, but I do hate you.” This quote reveals the dark undercurrent in Katherine and Allan’s relationship.
The Soundtrack of Laurence Rosenthal: A Closer Look
The soundtrack of ‘How Awful About Allan’ plays a crucial role in establishing the movie’s eerie and suspenseful atmosphere.
The music, composed by Laurence Rosenthal, uses haunting melodies and sudden crescendos to enhance the tension and suspense.
Curiosities and Little-Known Facts about ‘How Awful About Allan’
There are some interesting facts about ‘How Awful About Allan’ that add to its intrigue. For example, did you know that Anthony Perkins, who plays Allan, also starred in the famous thriller ‘Psycho’? Or that the movie was initially a television film before being released on DVD?
Tips for Cosplay: Dress Like Characters from ‘How Awful About Allan’
If you’re a fan of ‘How Awful About Allan’ and enjoy cosplay, dressing up as the characters can be fun. Allan’s attire is typically late 60s casual wear, while Katherine’s outfits reflect her manipulative and controlling personality.
Henry Farrell: A Look at His Life and Works
Henry Farrell is best known for his thrilling narratives, like ‘How Awful About Allan.’ His knack for creating suspenseful plots and complex characters has earned him a place among the best thriller writers. His other works include ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ and ‘Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte.’
‘How Awful About Allan’: Ending Explained
The ending of ‘How Awful About Allan’ is both shocking and satisfying. The revelation of the real villain and Allan’s realization of the truth brings closure to the suspenseful narrative. The ending also leaves room for interpretation, adding to the story’s intrigue.
Potential Remake, Sequel, and Spin-off for ‘How Awful About Allan’
Given the popularity of ‘How Awful About Allan,’ a remake or sequel could be possible. A spin-off focusing on Katherine or the mysterious tenant could also be interesting. However, no official announcements have been made yet.
Curtis Harrington and Other Media Works
Curtis Harrington, the director of ‘How Awful About Allan,’ is known for his work in the horror and thriller genres. His other notable works include ‘Night Tide,’ ‘Games,’ and ‘Queen of Blood.’
Similar Media to ‘How Awful About Allan’
If you enjoyed ‘How Awful About Allan,’ you might also like ‘Psycho,’ ‘The Birds,’ and ‘Rope,’ which are similar in tone and theme. These films also offer suspenseful narratives and complex characters.
Exploring Other Works by Henry Farrell
Henry Farrell’s other works are worth exploring if you enjoyed ‘How Awful About Allan.’ His novels, ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ and ‘Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte,’ also offer thrilling narratives and complex characters.
Book Club Questions for ‘How Awful About Allan’
If you’re discussing ‘How Awful About Allan’ in your book club, some questions you could consider include: What does Allan’s blindness symbolize? How does the setting contribute to the story’s suspense? What themes does the story explore?
Video Games Inspired by ‘How Awful About Allan’
While there are no specific video games inspired by ‘How Awful About Allan,’ fans of the book and movie might enjoy mystery and horror games like ‘Until Dawn,’ ‘Dead by Daylight,’ and ‘The Vanishing of Ethan Carter.’
Travel Guide: Visit ‘How Awful About Allan’ Locations
Visiting the locations where ‘How Awful About Allan’ was filmed can be an exciting experience for fans. The old mansion used for Allan’s family home and the town’s streets offer a real-life glimpse into the story’s setting.
Conclusion
‘How Awful About Allan’ is a captivating tale that offers suspense, intrigue, and a deep exploration of complex themes. Whether you’re a fan of the book, the movie, or both, delving into the details of the story and its characters can offer a more enriching experience. So, dive in, explore, and let the mystery of ‘How Awful About Allan’ captivate you once more!
