Some might argue Cape Fear is not really a horror movie but to that I would contend that a religious zealot hell bent on destroying your life and everyone you associate with is just as scary if not more so then monsters and ghosts. Zealots are scary as it is but then give them a reason to kill you and have it be within their self designed rights and you have someone who will not stop until “justice” has been served.
I had never watched Cape Fear before today but one of my favorite episodes of The Simpsons was the Cape Feare episode in the fifth season which heavily parodies this movie. There were many iconic moments which I knew immediately because of The Simpsons. They even used the same music. I hadn’t realized how strongly they had parodied it until watching it now and I found myself anticipating each moment from the episode.
(Spoilers to follow)
So in that way I was spoiled to some of the more iconic moments but that didn’t make the movie any less creepy or shocking. Some of the more disturbing moments were not put into The Simpsons episode for obvious reasons, so moments such as Cady being lighted in Kerosene were exciting and terrifying and Cady being dressed as the maid, I did not see that coming at all.
(Spoilers ended)
I’m not much of a horror guy, I was exposed to one scene in “It” when I was young and it soured me to the entire joy of being scared. So thrillers such as this are in more of my alley then most other Horror. So for those who might want something thrilling but not something typically horror this is a good one to go back and watch. Plus it is directed by Martin Scorsese.