Crimson Peak
On October 16th 2015, the long awaited Crimson Peak will be released in cinemas and is set to be the next great gothic horror.
Crimson Peak was written and directed by Guillermo Del Toro, a director who has already brought so much to the world of gothic cinema with break taking and creepy films such as The Devil’s Backbone (2001) and Pans Labyrinth (2006). Although he stated he had previously kept his films of a darker nature for his Spanish and European audiences he is now bringing his beautiful and alarming imagery to his American audiences too, where he is most famous for films such as Hell Boy and Pacific Rim.
Wanting this film to be a throw back to the classic gothic films of early horror such as The Brides of Frankenstein (1939) or The Omen (1976) this film encompasses all the true ideals of a gothic horror. There is a strong romantic and female centric plot line that is littered with supernatural occurrences in a house that seems as alive as it’s inhabitants. 
The young Edith Cushing, played by Mia Wasikowska, falls in love with the tall and handsome Sir Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston). This fine gentleman does not turn out to be all that he seems. With her heart captured she is whisked away to live with Sir Sharpe and his sister (Jessica Chastain) in a crumbling gothic mansion in the Cumbrian countryside. As Edith tries to escape the demons of her past, the demons that reside in the house pull her deeper and deeper into it’s madness.
Del Toro has poured his artistic soul into this film, with no aspect being overlooked on the gothic mansion. He wanted it to feel like a living organism, that feels, talks and remembers. Using his iconic colour schemes of reds and blues contrasted against golds or amber the house looms around Edith with the darkest of undertones. The repetition of insect imagery that is present in his previous horror films is also featured in this one, possibly to strengthen the feeling of the house being a living beast
The house itself is most decayed on the top floors as a metaphor to a dying mind, as to who’s mind that is we will let you decide. Other beautiful details that have been included are the butterfly wallpaper in the corridors that repeat the word “fear” across the wings, the blood red clay that seeps through the floor boards, or the fully operational victorian lift on set. Del Toro didn’t want to loose the tactile nature of his film by using a green screen. Finally every item and feature in Lucille’s bedroom is supposed to give the audience a deep insight into her secrets and personality. So watch carefully!
The full trailer and a gallery of enticing imagery is now available on the Legendary website to wet your appetite for the upcoming release.
Passion burns in our blood. Show yours for all things gothic with the Bleeding Heart Necklace [P550] and matching droppers [E272] and with the decadence of romance being such a strong feature in great gothic films celebrate that with the Betrothal Ring [R134] and matching bangle [A89]. These items pair up beautifully with the Claddagh Hair Comb [HC3]
