by kellie abrahamson kabrahamson1@aol.com
Psycho (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock’s horror classic is as creepy today as it was when it was made. Janet Leigh stars as Marion Crane, an impetuous office worker who steals $40,000 from her employer to start her life over. But, on her way to sunny California, Marion makes a stop at the desolate Bates Motel where she meets proprietor Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), a peculiar young man with Mommy issues. Incredible acting and cinematography make this film unforgettable and reminds the audience to always lock the bathroom door when you’re taking a shower!
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
George Romero revolutionized the horror film industry with Night of the Living Dead, a subversive independent film about flesh eating zombies attacking a Pennsylvania farmhouse. Although initially panned by most critics, three decades later the film is considered to be historically important, shedding light on American society in the 60’s in a particularly gruesome way. Do yourself a favor and pick up the original, un-fooled around with version of the film. It truly does not disappoint.
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Roman Polanski’s terrifically creepy film about a housewife who suspects her unborn child is the target of a satanic cult tops many “Best of Horror” lists and for good reason. The film is eerie and unnerving from start to finish, never resorting in your typical scary movie antics to tell the tale but allowing the viewer to get caught up in the paranoia Rosemary herself is feeling. Lacking monsters and gore, Rosemary’s Baby successfully scares subtly and psychologically.
The Shining (1980)
Easily one of my top five favorite films of all time, The Shining has everything you could possibly want in a good horror movie: creepy little kids, an incredibly eerie atmosphere from start to finish and dead-on performances from all of the actors. Based on the story by Stephen King with the great Stanley Kubrick behind the lens, this film will literally send shivers down your spine and make you think twice about taking that trip up to the mountains this winter.
The Exorcist (1973)
One of the most effective horror films ever made, The Exorcist caused mass hysteria when it was originally released, sending a few moviegoers to the hospital from the fright they had received. A six-disc box set of the film and its many sequels was released last week and contains the original cut and an extended version with over 12 minutes of new footage. The Exorcist- The Complete Anthology can be found on Amazon.com and in various retail stores around town.
Poltergeist (1982)
I remember the first time I saw this Steven Spielberg/Tobe Hooper classic. It made me jumpy for days. Then again, at the time I was only a couple years older than the Carol Anne Freeling character who communicates with ghosts via the family television. Nonetheless, Poltergeist remains a favorite of horror fans for its simplistic special effects, realistic handling of the story and pop culture references (“They’re heeeeere!”). Often overlooked thanks in part to its PG rating, the film can be found on DVD for under $10 at most retailers.
The Vanishing (1988)
Skip the Jack Bauer, I mean, Kiefer Sutherland, version of this thriller: the original version of the film is far more haunting and will stay with you for a long time. When his girlfriend goes missing at a gas station, Rex (Gene Bervoets) spends the next three years obsessing about what happened to her. His quest for answers leads him face-to-face with her kidnapper and he is given the opportunity to find out exactly what happened to her. But the knowing is more sinister than he ever imagined. The Vanishing was given a coveted Criterion Collection release a few years back. If you can get your hands on that, be sure to pick it up.
The Ring (2002)
This movie stays in the back of my mind and creeps me out every time I’m reminded of it. Just recalling it now makes my skin crawl. This American adaptation of the equally haunting Japanese film Ringu delivers real scares, unlike most J-Horror remakes which pale in comparison to the originals. The Ring is highly disturbing and manages to live on in the subconscious long after the first viewing. Be warned: if you’ve never seen The Ring, prepare to throw out your TV… You’ll never look at it the same way again!
Cabin Fever (2003)
This pick is a little unexpected, but hear me out. Cabin Fever is a fun, gory throwback to splatter films of yore. It’s relentlessly bloody and at the same time downright hilarious. Eli Roth, now fairly famous for his brutal second film Hostel, spins a bizarre tale that is punctuated by stomach churning images and laugh out loud one liners. This criminally under-rated film can be found at rock bottom prices in stores around the city.
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Like Cabin Fever, Shaun of the Dead is an homage to a simpler time in cinematic history. The zombie-themed romantic comedy is not so much scary as it is smart and funny with gross moments thrown in for effect. Watch this film especially if you’re a fan of cameos as several notable British comedians and sitcom stars make appearances.
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