There is something to be said for checklists. I am a big fan. I am an even bigger fan of checking things OFF checklists and today was a whopper.
Something I saw or heard yesterday must have set off a chain reaction in my mind, because my dreams were something else last night. It was as if someone was playing a filmstrip of every childhood memory I have between 4-14 on an endless loop. The last thing I remember when waking up is something that has often been a point of contention for me. The image was that of a red-haired, monocle-sporting ventriloquists dummy with a maniacal grin. I go through phases of insisting that I remember some movie or show with this scenario, especially this dummy. I have searched the internet, asked so-called ‘horror movie fans’, scoured old video store collections. Nothing. Im pretty sure people think I am making it up or imagining it.
And this morning, again, the dummy. That fuzzy red hair, that monocle. So, I decided it was finally time to put an end to this haunting memory. I did some real investigative work on the internet today (always a productive way to spend time when working on a PhD). And… SUCCESS! I am happy to report that I have not lost my mind. In fact, there are apparently legions of people my age who have faint memories similar to my own and have sought out this movie as well. I give you… Joey (1985), also known as Making Contact. Its German (I should have known!) and apparently it is a movie intended for kids, which is truly shocking as it was clearly scarring for myself and others who saw it as children. I mean, this is a movie whose plot involves an evil, possessed dummy who tries to control a young boy by faking phone calls from his dead father. Not the plot of your typical Disney movie.
If you feel the need to put yourself through the psychological trauma, have at it. As for me, I am checking this off my list and attempting to heal my childhood scars.
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