The Taking of Deborah Logan is a 2014 horror film that follows a documentary crew who are filming the life of an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s disease. However, they soon discover that she is not suffering from a normal case of dementia, but rather from a demonic possession that has a sinister connection to a series of ritual murders. The film is presented as a found footage genre, which gives it a realistic and immersive feel. But is The Taking of Deborah Logan based on a true story? How much of the film is inspired by real events and facts? In this article, we will explore the origins and influences of this chilling horror film.
The Inspiration Behind The Taking of Deborah Logan
According to the director and co-writer of the film, Adam Robitel, The Taking of Deborah Logan is not based on a true story. He and his co-writer, Gavin Heffernan, spent two years developing the script, which went through many iterations. They wanted to create a film that would start as a somber medical documentary and then gradually evolve into a supernatural horror film. Robitel said that he wanted the audience to wonder whether someone like Deborah Logan could actually exist, and that is why he chose the found footage format to tell his story.
However, Robitel also admitted that he drew some inspiration from his own fears and experiences. He said that he was terrified of Alzheimer’s disease, which he described as a metaphor for demonic possession. He also said that he learned about the effects of the disease on the caregivers, which influenced the character of Sarah, Deborah’s daughter. Robitel also revealed that he had a personal encounter with a woman who claimed to be possessed by a demon, which gave him some ideas for the film.
The Facts and Fiction of The Taking of Deborah Logan
The Taking of Deborah Logan mixes some factual elements with fictional ones to create a compelling and scary story. For example, the film depicts some of the symptoms and stages of Alzheimer’s disease, such as memory loss, confusion, aggression, paranoia, and hallucinations. The film also shows some of the treatments and tests that are used to diagnose and manage the disease, such as MRI scans, medication, and cognitive exercises. The film also touches on some of the ethical and emotional issues that arise from dealing with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s, such as consent, privacy, guilt, and grief.
However, the film also introduces some fictional and supernatural aspects that are not based on reality. For instance, the film reveals that Deborah is possessed by the spirit of Henri Desjardins, a French doctor who disappeared after killing four young girls as part of a ritual to achieve immortality. The film claims that Desjardins was trying to recreate an ancient Monacan ritual that involved sacrificing five girls who had their first period, and that Deborah was his fifth victim. The film also shows Deborah speaking in French, exhibiting superhuman strength, levitating, and transforming into a snake-like creature.
The Monacan people are a real Native American tribe that lived in Virginia, but there is no evidence that they practiced any such ritual or had any connection to Desjardins. The film also does not explain how Desjardins possessed Deborah, or why he chose her as his final victim. The film also does not provide any scientific or logical explanation for Deborah’s paranormal abilities and appearance.
The Verdict: How Realistic Is The Taking of Deborah Logan?
The Taking of Deborah Logan is a fictional horror film that is not based on a true story. However, it does use some realistic elements and details to make the film more believable and relatable. The film also explores some of the themes and challenges that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease, which is a real and devastating condition that affects millions of people around the world. The film also uses the found footage style to create a sense of immersion and authenticity. However, the film also incorporates some fictional and supernatural elements that are not based on reality, and that are meant to create a sense of terror and suspense. The film also leaves some questions unanswered and some plot holes unresolved. Therefore, The Taking of Deborah Logan is a horror film that is partly realistic and partly fictional, and that is ultimately up to the viewer’s interpretation and imagination.