The Historical Tradition Behind The Haunting Scene in ‘The Others’

In Alejandro Amenábar’s 2001 film ‘The Others’ there’s a chilling scene where Nicole Kidman’s character, Grace, uncovers a “book of the dead” in her home. This book, filled with photographs of deceased individuals posed in their finest attire, reflects a real-world practice known as death photography. This unsettling tradition emerged with the advent of modern photography in 1839 and provides historical depth to the film’s narrative.

‘The Others’ is set in 1945 on the Island of Jersey and follows Grace Stewart and her children, Anne and Nicholas, who are living in an old, dark house while Grace’s husband is away at war. The children suffer from severe light sensitivity, necessitating that the curtains remain closed at all times.

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As strange occurrences increase, Anne begins to see ghostly figures she names “the intruders” and “the others.” The film takes a dramatic turn when Grace discovers that she and her children are ghosts and the so-called intruders are living people conducting a séance.

The “Book of the Dead” scene gains new meaning when viewed through the lens of post-mortem photography. Grace finds an album of deceased individuals who seem lifelike due to painted eyes and meticulous poses. This scene foreshadows her horrifying realization about her and her children’s true state.

In Victorian times, death photography was popular due to the high mortality rates from epidemics and the high cost of living portraits. Techniques like long exposure often made the deceased appear more defined than the living, a detail that adds an eerie, inverted reality to ‘The Others’. 

The film’s depiction of ghosts and its exploration of grief and denial are enhanced by this historical context. The Book of the Dead serves as a poignant metaphor for Grace’s realization and acceptance of her and her children’s fate. This psychological depth and emotional resonance place ‘The Others’ among the most memorable and profound supernatural films.

–Farheen Ali