Ghostwatch: Behind the Curtains

Excruciatingly dull, and insipid look back at the BBC classic. Incredibly overlong and missing some of the more interesting key characters that made the one-off special interesting. How anyone could make a documentary about 'Ghostwatch' and make it boring seems impossible, but the filmmaker successfully did just that. I could have done a better job myself. This is more like a fan documentary than a professional one and it's crying out for a pair of scissors. I would have also have improved the running time by going back to the key filming locations, and show how they have changed since shooting in the early 90's. However none of this is ever touched on. Just the same cutbacks to the same people, and in some cases people I'd never even heard of and had nothing to do with the show.

Whilst this documentary about the the making and crucially the impact of the hit tv drama Ghostwatch is rather flat - essentially just interviews with the makers, stars and various fans, it does though provide some interesting insights.

Firstly, it is fascinating how difficult it was for the producers to get it made because firstly no-one at the BBC seemed to understand what it was and in addition the programme highlights the phenomenal bureaucracy that drives the BBC - weird committees, strange demarcation lines between departments that don't seem to understand they should be working to a common aim.

Secondly, the reaction from some people, but clearly mostly raked up by the press, about how shocking the whole thing was, as if putting out something remotely controversial is not within the remit of the BBC was bizarre. The notion that people were too stupid to think it was a piece of theatrical conceit and we're there embarrassed and complained seems about right - it was a scary bit of fun.

Thirdly, how BBC executives, driven to this day by fear of public opinion and political pressure, disowned it and buried it such that It rarely gets shown despite cult following and high regard.

All in all, interesting stuff.

The 2012 documentary's selling point is that they've managed to bring back all the major players involved in the original 1992 show's production: the producers; the director; the writer; the primary cast members.

Not that you'll have any idea who any of these people are - unless you're a child of the 80s/90s. There's no real introduction to these famous faces, in particular an understanding of just how well known they actually were and why. Surely it was their level of celebrity - and the implicit trust imparted in them by the audience - which was a primary reason for the original show's shock value?

So good luck any Millennials or Gen Zers watching this doc to find out what the fuss was all about, particularly as new faux-factual shows are broadcast and cite 'Ghostwatch' as a forebear (EG 2023's The British Miracle Meat).

Additionally, save for some sporadic personal photographs, it's let down by an absence of any footage from the original programme, contextual or otherwise. I highly recommend watching 'Ghostwatch' itself (available to stream on Amazon or buy on DVD/Blu Ray) before diving into this. Otherwise, if you've only watched that one-and-done broadcast 30+ years ago, if at all, you may quickly become disconnected from this arid series of talking heads.

This disconnection is further compounded by the editing. The doc runs at a glacial pace and even the chapter title cards (seemingly incongruous unless you've recently rewatched) linger on screen longer than they should.

With additional context, including footage (even stills would be beneficial) and more discerning editorial choices, this could be condensed into a tighter and more engaging show.

Ghostwatch, one of the most famous media events of all time, fondly remembered to this day. Behind the curtains offers a look into the production, transition and legacy of the legendary film. I hold the film in such high regard it stands amongst Halloween, Jaws and The Shining in my eyes.

This documentary provides never before seen insight to how Ghostwatch came to be and with interviews with cast, crew and critics you can clearly gather how Ghostwatch affected the nation. I don't speak for others but I can confidently say that this documentary is essential viewing for anyone who enjoyed the 1992 film, while DVD copies are becoming hard to find, you can also buy the book, which I own and thoroughly enjoyed reading. My biggest regret with the documentary is I didn't watch the screening of it at Birmingham horror con in 2017. If you can, WATCH IT because it truly offers another perspective on the event that spooked a nation and the world needs more Ghostwatch, it really does.

GHOSTWATCH is one of my favourite-ever TV productions and one that had an impact on me as a kid; I rewatch it regularly so this documentary was right up my street. In and of itself it's a cheap independent little thing, with some dated graphics and occasionally clumsy editing, but as it offers in-depth interviews with most of the cast and crew members involved, particularly Stephen Volk as writer, it's invaluable.