Horror movies are a major part of my life (obviously, seeing as this blog exists). Probably 80% of everything I watch is a part of the horror genre. They are an element in my life that, no matter what is happening, I can count on and I often take comfort in them. The following is a list of what I call my "comfort movies." Whenever I've had a bad day, feel sad, have a major stressful or painful event, I find myself turning to these movies for comfort again and again. They are like a great big security blanket that wraps me away from the world.
But bad things don't necessarily have to happen for me to watch them, sometimes it's just that I want to feel something familiar -homey. These films, for whatever reason, feel like home to me. I never tire of watching them. They are never far from the DVD player, and I even own some on VHS.
Now, all that said, it doesn't mean that all these films are winners...not all of them are examples of fine cinema, though several of them are.
Here they are in no particular order.
THE LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE, 1973
The whole atmosphere of this film is fantastic. The cinematography is gorgeous and conveys the mood and feel of the film perfectly. I find myself constantly pausing it so I can take in the unique frame of a shot. The opening theme music is some of my favorite in the horror genre.
BLOOD MOON (AKA WOLF GIRL), 2001
This is actually one of my main comfort movies. I played it over and over again one weekend when I had a terrible headache and didn't get out of bed. Even as I lay with my eyes closed, I followed along with the dialogue, listened to th music, and saw the scenes play out in my mind.
Unfortunately, the trailer for this unknown gem is misleading. While it is technically in the horror genre, it is more of a drama set in a standard horror frame -a traveling freak show. It has several musical numbers (strange, I know) with Tim Curry and Grace Jones as performers in the show. I'd kill, or pay a very large sum, to have this soundtrack, but to my knowledge (and ALOT of internet searching) there isn't one.
The movie is beautiful, very original (how often do you see that these days?), well acted, and very genuine. It has a big heart without ever being sentimental or cheesy.
SUSPIRIA, 1977
The original trailers for this were, well, awful. This is a fan made trailer that is much more representative of the feel and mood of the film. Also, it showcases GOBLIN's absolutely flawless score which belongs to horror's movie score canon.
THE BEYOND, 1981
Fulci at his best, in my opinion. The ending shot is to die for.
THE SHINING, 1980
This is my all time favorite movie... ever. It's PERFECT. I've included the trailer (goddamn! I love love love this trailer), and the breathtaking opening sequence which is vast, beautiful, and bone chilling at the same time. Talk about feeling small and isolated.
Trailer
Opening Credits
Halloween III: Season of the Witch, 1982
What can I say? I love everything about this movie. It gets quoted at my house alot. LOVE the opening sequence. Cochran is one of my favorite villains of all time. And yes, I own the "special edition" score.
Fright Night, 1985
I think I have every line in this movie memorized. Also another bootlegged score in my collection.
DEEP RED, 1975
Another fabulous score by GOBLIN. I couldn't decide which trailer to feature since they are both fabulous in their own way. So, here are both.
The original Italian trailer
The American trailer
DAY OF THE DEAD, 1985
My favorite Romero. Is that wrong?
THE HAUNTING, 1963
I think this is the greatest haunted house movie ever made. No special effects here... just scary as hell.
GRAVEYARD SHIFT, 1990
Stephen Macht as the psycho boss Warwick steals the entire movie.
MACABRE, 1980
Okay, so this one is, well, a little embarrassing. All horror fans have some movie like this...the dirty little indulgent secret kept in the back of the closet...that one movie we absolutely adore but would never tell other horror fans for fear of being shunned. It's cheesy, uneventful, and just plain stupid...and I love it. The build up is unbloody and the climax is ridiculous. And I just watched it again as I wrote out this blog entry. (I also watched Suspiria while making this list.) Note: There is nudity in this trailer.
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2 comments:
I've seen a lot of those, but not all of them. I'll have to add some of those to my netflix list soon. Just watched Halloween III, again... yesterday.
The music in Halloween III alone...the commercial music. Great. I cannot fall asleep at night without watching a horror film. All of these are great choices...best is Fright Night. i still think my neighber is a vampire. AND NO ONE BELIEVES ME!!!! Is there really a more horrible feeling?
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