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My Top 10 Horror FlicksFeb 11 '06 Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line Well here it is: Alright, here goes some crazy stuff. I've seen so many different horror films over the years {15 different subgenres, 175 different sub-sub genres, from 39 different countries nonetheless}, that its hard to keep track of them over the years. I usually make little comments, I have a diary full of them, whenever I see a flick, just so later I can remember what I saw and thought! I've been watching since about the age of 5, and have been in love with the genre since I saw Pinhead's face on the cover of one of the hellraiser movies. i knew right there and then that there was no turning back. I saw Dawn of the Dead, my first 'real' taste of the genre, and became a true addict. For about 3-5 years, horror was my life away from my other life. Now, I've just about ran out of stuff to watch, so I bum myself silly thinking of horror related things to do {I'm not a morbid person by the way}. I tried to include 10 different flicks from different periods that I love for different reasons, but my top two always remain no matter what. This list is about a split between historical relevance and how it affected me, to just plain how cool/goofy/gory whatever it was. So, prepare yourself for the big, long and unique list of adler440's Top 10 horror flicks. And more importantly, prepare to be amazed. 10. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari {1920}- Some film snobs balk at the use of the word 'horror' to describe this one. I disagree. With what little plot there is, it certainly evolves as a horror film before there were horror films. A history maker, but also a true favorite of mine. 9. Cannibal Holocaust {1980}- This film, while not quite as prominent an entry as many others, is one of the few that I've lost sleep over. It paved a new path for filmmakers and set the bar a little higher. The use of real animals is still a controversy today, but I believe it was just because a- It added to the plot and Deodato's points {there are some in fact} and b- They were cooked and eaten later that night by the cast 8. Phantasm {1979}- One of the first flicks I saw after Dawn of the Dead, I believe that it has one of the premier villians and some of the best use of imagery and schlocky atmosphere. I fell in love with this senseless Tall Man fest right off the bat. 7. Psycho {1960}- Reserve choice- Peeping Tom {1960}- These two films were arguably of the first {M withstanding} to seriously examine serial killers in a realistic and horrific light. They both earn major points for their brilliant direction and leads, and surprisingly each has lost little punch over the years. 6. Frankenstein {1931}/Bride of Frankenstein {1935}- Considering that Bride follows on the heels of the original Universal classic, I consider them one whole masterpiece of the genre. 5. The Wicker Man {1973}- Ranking high on my list due to possibly some of the best performances in genre history, a great script/direction, and a truly thought provoking finale detailing religious morals, this film is not quite as 'horrific' as it is 'dramatic', yet its still a genuinely shocking and horrifying film, yet another that is sadly falling to the remake plague... 4. Blood Feast {1963}- Yes, it may be a headscratcher for some of you. This film is both campy and downright awful in many ways, so why so high on my list? Because not only is it a standout in an otherwise dull period for the genre in my opinion, but it also inspired dozens, possibly even hundreds of later films and really gave an edgy feel that has in many ways created the exploitation side of the genre. So may not argue this a good thing, but remember that this is [i]my[/i] top 10, not your's. 3. Deep Red {1975}- I could have put so many others in this spot, anything and everything from The Thing to The Brood to Ampsterdamned to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre to Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers. So many places I could of gone, o... As it is, this film in my dandy little opinion is the true murder mystery of the genre. Standing out among all others, for its both inventive/arty, and scary/effective, which gives it a double bonus. There are a number of twists and turns, and I think its the true European horror masterpiece of its time. And those dreaded Top Two 2. Night of the Living Dead {1968}- I could have just as easily switched this with Dawn of the Dead, if not for the fact that though I saw it first, it was at a slightly callow age and before I had discovered that Hellraiser image. But over the years I've rewatched it so many times that I could still write the script for it if I hadn't seen in in decades, no lie. Its too loveable a movie for any, even the pretentious snobs, to overlook, and set the standard my very favorite sub genre of all. 1. Dawn of the Dead {1978}- You guessed it. Even if this one hadn't gotten me officially hooked, it would still rank up there. Its not flawless, and can certainly be seen as an acquired taste, but the characters, the makeup {both Savini's and the zombie blue}, Ken Foree, the use of good old Monroeville Mall, everything. Its too much for me. Try telling me about one of the things you don't like about this one and I'll tell you 'That's my favorite!'. I really don't know quite where to start on this one, so I won't because I could go all week without sleeping or eating/drinking. Incredible...  |
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