By Melissa Antoinette Garza
Though this episode of Tales from the Crypt shows a very dark side to taxidermy, it reminded me of a conversation I recently had over my brother’s house. To be honest, taxidermy is probably a topic that is discussed more in my home than most others. I don’t own any animals that are stuffed and I’ve never had anything done by a taxidermist before. Still, this topic recently came up and since then I’ve had several exchanges about it.
It started when my brother brought up a woman who was arrested for keeping her husband well after his death. She had been a taxidermist and used her skills to preserve him. Now, I completely understand why most people think this is sick and strange. I personally thought it was quite romantic and I found myself relating to the woman’s mindset. I found it sad that she was arrested because her intentions were to never lose the love of her life and in a way that’s beautiful. Before anyone points out that I need therapy, I’m already going.
To clarify my outlook, there are people in this world that I just cannot picture my life without. If they were to pass before me, I don’t know how I would go on. If using a taxidermist to preserve them was a viable possibility, in the emotional state of mind I would find myself in, I may be inclined to go that route.
Everyone in my family including the hubby thinks this is wrong and insane. I don’t know why I find it reasonable. If I lost someone close to me and was unable to have them emotionally with me any longer, I think their physical presence could offer some peace.
It’s such a morbid topic, but it’s one I think about quite a bit. After I die, I’d much rather be preserved than thrown in the ground or pushed through a crematorium and made into ashes. Stuff me and prop me in a house with someone who cared about me. I’ll make a recording of my voice so the people I love can pull a string and hear me talk.
That’s my viewpoint, anyways.
Regarding this tale, it follows Jonas (M. Emmet Walsh) who just retired from being a sales manager. He begins spending most of his time at home with his wife Anita (Audra Lindley) which he is most certainly not accustomed to.
Anita has filled the home with animals which is making Jonas crazy. He ends up deciding that he wants to be a taxidermist. Callously, he begins to murder her animals and turns them into lawn ornaments, statues, and figurines.
This pushes Anita over the edge and she takes his hobby to a whole new extreme. It’s a fun tale with a lot of wit and charm to it. The casting is perfect and, though it’s not scary, it does have an element of creepiness to it.
Scared Stiff Rating 7.5/10
