I grew up in the 80's when slasher movies like Friday the 13th and Halloween were king. Even now I can hear the "che-che-che- / ha-ha-ha" playing as Jason closes slowly closes in on the stupid guy who can't get away. Why is it the car keys never fit into the ignition?Scary movies aren't my favorite but every once in a while the suspense and euphoria of horror films is enjoyable. Now, gratuities violence of some horror films is ridiculous and unnecessary, but there's a lot to enjoy about a good psychological thriller.
Why do we love horror films? Psychologists say perhaps people are willing to endure the discomfort of fear to experience the euphoria of relief. In the theater or living room we're not really in danger, we simply experience some of the fear.
To be honest it's kind of difficult to list my top favorite scary movies.. I don't watch scary movies often but over the years I've enjoyed them from time to time. Here's my shot at listing my top 3.
3. The Ring
Ok, the girl is just simply spooky. It kind of makes your skin crawl when she crawls out of the television, but what I love about the movie is the tension it builds from the vhs. You see all kinds of random objects, a ladder, a circle of light, horses. As the film continues the mystery of the video begins to make sense.
The acting isn't great and the story has gaps BUT it builds great tension. After my oldest son saw this at the theater he took his tv out of his room for a few days. Enough said.
2. The Shining
One name says it all, Jack Nicholson. He has to be the greatest crazy person of all time. There's something really scary about being cut off from the world in a haunted hotel with someone you trust loosing it.
I can still see the look on his face when he breaks into the room and says "here's Johnny". If you want to be scared this Halloween this is a great place to start.
Here's a warning. The movie is rated R. I've only seen the tv version of the film but have been told there's some nudity in the unedited version. So, If it's on tv give it a shot.
1. Psycho
Here's the tagline for the movie.
"A young woman steals $40,000 from her employer's client, and subsequently encounters a young motel proprietor too long under the domination of his mother."
It's the classic horror movie. One of Alfred Hitcock's best movies which has been modeled over and over again by movie makers.
My favorite scene is the shower scene which still brings chills without showing everything. The tension and the music create an unbelievably scary experience.
And of course there's a great surprise ending.
What are your top 3?
I would need to agree with The Shining and Psycho. Both are fantastic pieces of cinema. I would replace The Ring with either Night of the Hunter or Night of the Living Dead. I'm a fan of older horror films; they had so much creativity than the newer ones.
ReplyDeleteYeah, who could forget the house scene in Night of the Living Dead. They just keep coming!
ReplyDeleteFlatliners, What Lies Beneath, Fred the Movie
ReplyDeleteThe Ring is particularly creepy in places, agreed. The scene from the TV is pretty awesome.
ReplyDeleteNot sure I can pin down three faves, but the shining would be in there. I enjoy the paranormal series and the fact that they can scare you without using unnecessary nudity and over the top gore is impressive.
You know, we weren't that crazy about the paranormal stuff. Didn't see the second one. My wife and I may try to go see #3.
ReplyDeleteI like Psycho. I like a lot of Hitchcock's stuff because it was more about the suspense than anything else.
ReplyDeleteThen, it's not really "horror", but another of my favorites is The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, starring Don Knotts. The part where he's spending the night in the haunted house is the best!
My other favorites are some of the classics from Universal - particularly Frankenstein. I've written about both Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein on my blog this month. I love the original novel, too!