I am, for a variety of reasons, surely convinced that the supernatural elements described in the multiple versions of this box-office ready tale are as false as any Hollywood drama, dressed up with shocking plot twists and special effects. The main fallacy of The Amityvile Horror falls at the point where the story forges different paths among a maze of several possible outcomes. This is a result of the subtle, yet jutting inconsistencies among the sources used. Second, the majority of 'facts' that are consistent are based upon witness accounts that are highly based upon perception of the truth rather than objective observation of it. In order to understand the true context of this urban legend, it is crucial to review the content it provides with these points in mind.
Out of three scoured sources, coverage and accuracy (based upon similarities) in all main aspects of the story, the murders, the Lutzes, and the Warren's investigation, numerous gaps and unrelated commentary were prominent.
For example, in two distinct articles that went into depth about the experiences of the Lutz family disagree on particular details concerning the priest that came to house and Jodie, the imaginary friend of daughter, Missy. According to an article published by ABC, the priest that came to inspect the house did tell about the incident of being slapped by a mysterious force. The article also stated that George Lutz also remembered witnessing the Father break out in flu-like symptoms. Both of these details were not mentioned or reinterpreted in any of the other sources.
Additionally, in a dramatic report published on a site created by the Warrens themselves, claims that the priest only gave a warning not to use the upstairs as a bedroom and did not spontaneously then break out into any sign of sickness. The report on the Warren's site also stated that Missy, a daughter of the Lutzes, had an imaginary friend named Jodie, whom she began to frequently play with since the family settled in the house. Jodie was describe to be a red eyed pig that could change size and shape. The ABC article has no mention of this, again unlike all other sources, even though it goes extensively into details about the Lutz's experiences.
These examples are only a fraction of other missing and mismatched details among the articles I fervently examined. Though it is fair to assume that authors of each had access to certain information over others as well as differing perceptions, of the details that were consistent were not sufficient enough to prove that evil spirits lurk among the house.
One consistency that did remain prevalent in all sources was the witness claims behind a considerable percentage of the the story's main points. Within every facet, from beginning to end, the facts pertaining to the murders, Lutz family and investigation by the Warrens were strongly based upon the thoughts, feelings, and memories about events. Details not based on claims include the deaths, Ronald Defeo's trial and sentence, the photograph, and the existence of all characters, dates, and places involved. The exact interactions and activity that took place are all retold through recollections of the incidents, which is unreliable due to memory loss, emotional distress, and possible fabrication that may cloud the truth. Therefore, I dismiss the legend that 112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, NY is haunted by supernatural forces, though do not deny or confirm the truth about other suggested details.
Out of three scoured sources, coverage and accuracy (based upon similarities) in all main aspects of the story, the murders, the Lutzes, and the Warren's investigation, numerous gaps and unrelated commentary were prominent.
For example, in two distinct articles that went into depth about the experiences of the Lutz family disagree on particular details concerning the priest that came to house and Jodie, the imaginary friend of daughter, Missy. According to an article published by ABC, the priest that came to inspect the house did tell about the incident of being slapped by a mysterious force. The article also stated that George Lutz also remembered witnessing the Father break out in flu-like symptoms. Both of these details were not mentioned or reinterpreted in any of the other sources.
Additionally, in a dramatic report published on a site created by the Warrens themselves, claims that the priest only gave a warning not to use the upstairs as a bedroom and did not spontaneously then break out into any sign of sickness. The report on the Warren's site also stated that Missy, a daughter of the Lutzes, had an imaginary friend named Jodie, whom she began to frequently play with since the family settled in the house. Jodie was describe to be a red eyed pig that could change size and shape. The ABC article has no mention of this, again unlike all other sources, even though it goes extensively into details about the Lutz's experiences.
These examples are only a fraction of other missing and mismatched details among the articles I fervently examined. Though it is fair to assume that authors of each had access to certain information over others as well as differing perceptions, of the details that were consistent were not sufficient enough to prove that evil spirits lurk among the house.
One consistency that did remain prevalent in all sources was the witness claims behind a considerable percentage of the the story's main points. Within every facet, from beginning to end, the facts pertaining to the murders, Lutz family and investigation by the Warrens were strongly based upon the thoughts, feelings, and memories about events. Details not based on claims include the deaths, Ronald Defeo's trial and sentence, the photograph, and the existence of all characters, dates, and places involved. The exact interactions and activity that took place are all retold through recollections of the incidents, which is unreliable due to memory loss, emotional distress, and possible fabrication that may cloud the truth. Therefore, I dismiss the legend that 112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, NY is haunted by supernatural forces, though do not deny or confirm the truth about other suggested details.