The Strange Thing About The Johnsons - A Deep Look
Have you ever stumbled upon a film that just sticks with you, long after the credits roll, because it pushes every boundary you thought existed? Well, there's this short film, a rather infamous one, called "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons," and it really does exactly that. It's a piece of cinema that sparked quite a bit of discussion, and for good reason, too.
This particular film, made by Ari Aster, a director who later became quite well-known for his unsettling features, was actually his thesis project. It came out in 2011, and even then, it generated a lot of strong feelings, some people loving it for its boldness, others finding it deeply disturbing. It's a work that, in a way, sort of sets the stage for the kind of stories Aster would go on to tell, stories that get under your skin and stay there, you know?
So, if you've heard whispers about a film that explores some very difficult subjects, or if you're just curious about the early work of a director who has since made a name for himself in the contemporary horror film scene, then this piece is for you. We're going to take a closer look at what makes "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" so talked about, and why it continues to be a point of fascination for many film watchers.
Table of Contents
- Who is Ari Aster - The Mind Behind The Strange Thing About the Johnsons?
- What Makes The Strange Thing About the Johnsons So Unsettling?
- The Johnson Family - What's Their Secret in The Strange Thing About the Johnsons?
- How Did The Strange Thing About the Johnsons Get Released?
- Why Was The Strange Thing About the Johnsons Made?
- The Impact of The Strange Thing About the Johnsons on Viewers
- Where Can You Watch The Strange Thing About the Johnsons?
- Music and Cast - Other Elements of The Strange Thing About the Johnsons
Who is Ari Aster - The Mind Behind The Strange Thing About the Johnsons?
Ari Aster, the person who brought "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" to life, started his path in filmmaking as a student. This particular short film was his project for graduation while he was studying at the American Film Institute's graduate school. It was, in a way, his very first step into directing, a debut that would really get people talking, long before he became a familiar name in the scary movie world. He's since gone on to direct films like "Hereditary" in 2018 and "Midsommar" in 2019, works that definitely show his unique approach to storytelling. You know, it's pretty interesting to see where someone starts out compared to where they end up.
His early work, like "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons," sort of gives us a peek into the kinds of themes and feelings he likes to explore. He has a way of presenting things that are quite uncomfortable, yet also, in some respects, really thought-provoking. This film, for example, truly showcases his early command of atmosphere and disturbing narratives, which would later become hallmarks of his bigger projects. It's almost like you can see the beginnings of his signature style right there.
Ari Aster - Quick Facts
| Role | Director, Writer |
| Notable Film (Debut) | The Strange Thing About the Johnsons |
| Year of Debut Film | 2011 |
| Educational Background | American Film Institute's Graduate School (Thesis Film) |
| Later Known For | Talented Director in Contemporary Horror Film Scene (e.g., Hereditary, Midsommar) |
What Makes The Strange Thing About the Johnsons So Unsettling?
The core of "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" is its story, which, quite frankly, is something that most people would find very hard to watch. It's about a son who is hurting his father in a terrible way, and then a mother who takes extreme action against her own child. This film goes into areas that are, well, just not talked about, like incest and different kinds of abuse. It's a subject matter that is, very, very challenging to confront, and the film does not shy away from it.
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When it came out, the film got a lot of different reactions; some people really disliked it, others found it compelling, but it definitely caused a stir. It's the kind of movie that forces you to look at things you'd rather not, and that's probably why it stays with people. It sort of pulls back the curtain on some very dark family secrets, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who watches it. You know, it's a bit like a punch to the gut, in a way.
The Johnson Family - What's Their Secret in The Strange Thing About the Johnsons?
At the center of this story is the Johnson family itself, a group that, from the outside, might seem perfectly normal. There's Sidney, the father and husband, who is a famous poet, actually, known for being kind and sensitive. Then you have Joan, the wife and mother, who is quite focused on her home life, almost to an obsessive degree. And, of course, there's Isaiah, their son, who is described as being rather charismatic, someone you might just like right away.
But, as the film goes on, you find out something truly shocking about this family. The "strange thing about the Johnsons" is the dark truth that Isaiah, the son, has been hurting his beloved father, Sidney, for years, all in secret. This hidden act of abuse and assault has been going on behind closed doors, completely changing the picture of this seemingly perfect family. It's a revelation that, you know, really turns everything you thought you knew about them upside down.
How Did The Strange Thing About the Johnsons Get Released?
This film first came out in 2011, and it's a short film, meaning it's not a full-length movie. Its release caused a lot of discussion and, as mentioned, people had very strong, often opposite, opinions about it. It was met with what you might call "polarized reviews," meaning some people loved it and some really didn't. The subject matter alone was enough to make it quite controversial, which, honestly, is pretty understandable.
Interestingly, if you want to watch "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" today, it's available on YouTube. There are re-uploaded versions of it, put there specifically for what's called "archival purposes," because the original uploads might not be there anymore. So, you can, in fact, find it pretty easily if you're curious. It's a piece that, you know, has maintained its presence online due to its lasting impact.
Why Was The Strange Thing About the Johnsons Made?
As we touched on earlier, "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" was created as Ari Aster's thesis film for his studies at the American Film Institute. So, in a way, it was his big project to show what he could do as a filmmaker. But beyond just being a school assignment, the film seems to have a deeper purpose. It goes far beyond simply trying to be provocative or just pushing the limits of what's acceptable in film.
The film, it seems, aims to show us things we might rather not see. It takes us to places that are uncomfortable, making us confront realities that many would prefer to ignore. It's a piece that, you know, almost forces your eyes open, even if your natural inclination is to look away. This desire to reveal difficult truths, even if they're upsetting, appears to be a core reason behind its creation, and it's something that really defines the experience of watching it.
The Impact of The Strange Thing About the Johnsons on Viewers
When you watch "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons," it's not the kind of film you just forget about a few minutes later. It leaves a very strong impression, mostly because of its rather shocking ending. This ending, in a way, pulls back the curtain on the very dark secret that was hiding beneath the Johnson family's outward appearance of being, well, quite perfect. It's a moment that really hits you hard and stays with you.
The film's ability to show these hidden, upsetting truths, even within a family that seems so put-together, is what gives it such a lasting effect on people who see it. It makes you think about what might be going on behind closed doors in other seemingly normal situations. You know, it's pretty powerful in that regard, making you question what you perceive to be true.
Where Can You Watch The Strange Thing About the Johnsons?
For those who are curious and want to see "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" for themselves, it's quite accessible. As mentioned, it's currently available to watch on YouTube. This availability is actually thanks to people re-uploading it, mostly for what they call "archival purposes," because the original uploads might not be there anymore. So, it's a bit like a preserved piece of film history that you can just find online.
Beyond YouTube, you can also look up information about the film on places like TV Guide or Moviefone. These sites can help you find out more about where to stream "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons," watch trailers, or learn about the people involved in making it. They provide details like showtimes, if it were ever to play somewhere, and give you a sense of the cast. It's pretty straightforward to find details about it, actually.
Music and Cast - Other Elements of The Strange Thing About the Johnsons
The film also features a cast that brings the unsettling story to life. Billy Mayo, Brandon Greenhouse, and Ange are among the people who act in "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons." Their performances help to convey the deep discomfort and hidden pain that the film explores. It's important to have actors who can really carry such heavy material, and these individuals do just that, you know?
And then there's the music, which also plays a part in setting the mood. The soundtrack includes a piece called "Wedding Funk," which was performed by Kathryn Hodges, Albert Margolis, Nicky Simon, Hunter Woff, and Brendan Eder. This song was written by Brendan Eder and Andy Barnes, and it was mixed and engineered by Brendan Eder. The choice of music, in a way, adds another layer to the film's unique and often unsettling atmosphere, contributing to the overall strange thing about the Johnsons.
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