The Amityville Horror

The Amityville Horror

Year: 1979

Runtime: 117 min

Language: English

Director: Stuart Rosenberg

Horror

A young family, the Lutzes, move into a large house in Long Island, unaware of its horrifying past. Strange and disturbing events quickly begin to occur, revealing a dark history of tragedy and violence. As malevolent forces invade their lives, the Lutzes find themselves battling an unseen evil. A desperate priest is called upon to help, but can he exorcise the presence before it destroys the family?

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Timeline & Setting – The Amityville Horror (1979)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Amityville Horror (1979). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1975

The events of the film take place in the fall of 1975, shortly after the Lutz family moves into their new home. This period is significant as it follows a tragic family murder that took place less than a year prior in the same house. The 1970s were marked by a growing interest in the paranormal and the supernatural, reflected in the culturally impactful horror films of the era.

Location

Amityville, Long Island, New York

Amityville is a small village in Suffolk County, New York, known for its picturesque landscape along the coast of Long Island. The Lutz family purchased a Dutch Colonial home there, which is infamous for the tragic events that occurred prior to their arrival. The house, dubbed 'High Hopes,' has become a site of horror stories and urban legends due to its haunting history.

🏠 House 🌊 Coast

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:10

Main Characters – The Amityville Horror (1979)

Meet the key characters of The Amityville Horror (1979), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

George Lutz (James Brolin)

George Lutz is a complex character who transforms from an eager homeowner into a troubled individual overwhelmed by the sinister forces in his house. As the supernatural occurrences intensify, his demeanor darkens, showcasing a deepening obsession with the home’s eerie elements. His struggle against these forces highlights themes of strength and vulnerability in facing evil.

🏡 Homeowner 😠 Anger 💔 Trauma

Kathy Lutz (Margot Kidder)

Kathy Lutz serves as both a nurturing mother and a fearful witness to the haunting events unfolding in their new home. As the family faces increasingly disturbing occurrences, she tries to maintain her family's stability but becomes increasingly distressed. Kathy’s character embodies the tension between motherhood, fear, and the desperate search for safety.

👩‍👧‍👦 Mother 😱 Fear 🕵️‍♀️ Investigator

Father Delaney (Rod Steiger)

Father Delaney is a dedicated priest tasked with blessing the Lutz's home. His character represents faith under siege as he confronts overwhelming supernatural forces. His experiences lead to a profound struggle, showcasing the psychological toll of battling forces beyond understanding, ultimately leading to his own breakdown.

✝️ Priest 📿 Faith 😵 Struggle

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:10

Major Themes – The Amityville Horror (1979)

Explore the central themes of The Amityville Horror (1979), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👻 Supernatural

The theme of the supernatural is prevalent throughout the movie, as the Lutz family experiences a variety of inexplicable and disturbing phenomena in their new home. These events are deeply tied to the dark history of the house and its connection to previous tragedies. The unseen forces at play highlight fears of the unknown and the impact of malevolence on an ordinary family.

🕊️ Faith

Faith, or the struggle with it, is a significant theme in 'The Amityville Horror.' The characters, particularly George and Kathy, face spiritual challenges as they grapple with the evil they encounter. Father Delaney’s attempts to bless the house represent a search for divine protection, suggesting that even faith can be severely tested in the face of overwhelming darkness.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:10

Unlock the Full Story of The Amityville Horror

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The Amityville Horror Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Amityville Horror, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Amityville Horror Summary

The Amityville Horror Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Amityville Horror with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Amityville Horror Timeline

More About The Amityville Horror

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Amityville Horror: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Amityville Horror

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