‘Longlegs’ Opening Quote: Its Origin & How It Sets the Tone for the Movie

Despite being a complicated movie, ‘Longlegs’ opening remark is comparatively simple to understand. This psychological horror, which was directed by Oz Perkins, centres on the hunt for ‘Longlegs’, a Satanic serial killer. The movie eventually veers into bizarre, supernatural horror, despite at first resembling vintage procedurals like ‘Se7en’ and ‘Silence of the Lambs’. ‘Longlegs’ is more of a ‘Satanic Panic’-inspired movie at its core, despite its beginnings as a crime thriller.

Longlegs himself, played by a nearly unrecognizable Nicolas Cage, is at the centre of the narrative. He has an eerie, 1970s rockstar look due to his extensively makeup-altered looks. His love of old rock—he can even be seen singing along to T. Rex’s ‘Planet Queen’ early in the movie—further supports this motif. A phrase from another T. Rex song, ‘Get It On,’ opens the film and sets the tone for the ominous themes to unfold.

Image Courtesy: People

“Well, you’re weak and slender / You’re wearing a hydra’s teeth / You’re sweet, dirty, and my girl,” the quote says. In the context of the movie, this can allude to Ruth, Maika Monroe’s mother, or Lee Harker, her character. Threats to Ruth’s and her daughter’s lives first compelled her to work for ‘Longlegs’, trapping her as a “slim, weak” victim. But by the end of the movie, it’s clear that Ruth has been his accomplice the entire time, carrying on his work even after he was apprehended.

An occult aspect is added by the mention of Hydra, which strengthens ‘Longlegs’ Satanic tendencies. The movie also evokes the ‘Satanic Panic’ of the 1980s, when rock music was feared for its alleged ability to control listeners, which is similar to how ‘Longlegs’ uses seemingly innocent toys to seduce his victims.

–Farheen Ali