To celebrate the release of our second Self Made Hero book of M. R. James adaptations – Ghost Stories of an Antiquary Vol 2 – we’re going to be counting down to Christmas in true Jamesian style, with a new haunting image and nugget of info every day.
On top of that, we’ll be giving away a copy of the book via Twitter every Sunday in the lead up to Christmas. Check the #MRJ2GIVEAWAY hashtag for details of how to take part.
Sam Raimi’s 2009 horror Drag Me To Hell is often cited as a modern take on a Jamisian tale. That particular tale being Casting the Runes, which was previously adapted for the screen in 1957 as Night of the Demon (Curse of the Demon in the US). Although I have yet to read or see any interviews with Raimi directly citing either James’ tale, or the Night of the Demon as direct influences on Drag Me To Hell, there is a very obvious similarity to anyone who is familiar with Monty’s story: the curse placed up on the lead character, and the way in which that curse might be lifted.
Despite the (seeming) Jamsian influences however, Drag Me To Hell is not a quiet, chilling, English ghost story but a crazily over the top, even cartoonish, gross out horror which, if you haven’t seen it already, is well worth a watch.