Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror

Everyone go see Nosferatu at archive.org! This is a vampire film before it became a silly cliche, a vampire film before the vampires became romantic tortured souls, back when they were barely formed things out of the ooze of of our symbolic nightmares. You will not find much character depth or subtlety in this 1922 work, but you will find a steadily creeping sense of dread and a memorable exploration of what it's like to be stalked by death. Answer: It's freakin' scary!

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Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror

Everyone go see Nosferatu at archive.org! This is a vampire film before it became a silly cliche, a vampire film before the vampires became romantic tortured souls, back when they were barely formed things out of the ooze of of our symbolic nightmares. You will not find much character depth or subtlety in this 1922 work, but you will find a steadily creeping sense of dread and a memorable exploration of what it's like to be stalked by death. Answer: It's freakin' scary!

( Read more... )

Das Kabinett des Doktor Caligari: The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari

Since most of my movies are packed in preparation for my move, I'm watching movies through my compooper. The latest...An earlier example of German expressionism than Nosferatu, The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari (1919), directed by Robert Wiene. I highly recommend it because a) it's the prototypical horror film, involving murder, twisted psychology and the analysis thereof; b) it really exploits the form (black-and-white) to heighten the delirious, dream-like atmosphere; c) it's a well-done classic.

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Das Kabinett des Doktor Caligari: The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari

Since most of my movies are packed in preparation for my move, I'm watching movies through my compooper. The latest...An earlier example of German expressionism than Nosferatu, The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari (1919), directed by Robert Wiene. I highly recommend it because a) it's the prototypical horror film, involving murder, twisted psychology and the analysis thereof; b) it really exploits the form (black-and-white) to heighten the delirious, dream-like atmosphere; c) it's a well-done classic.

( Read more... )

Carnival of Souls (1962), or "I always knew there was something creepy about amusement parks"

Carnival of Souls does not have much going for it. There's the cheesy title, a definite strike against it, followed closely by its director Herk Harvey, better known for making simplistic mental hygiene films designed to drum good manners into 1960s schoolchildren. Then there's the low special effects budget, which means that the creepiest things our protagonist experiences are attack of the pancake make-up and occasional periods where the soundtrack just fades to silence.

I'm happy to report, though, that Carnival of Souls rises above these limitations to be a surprisingly effective, almost existential, horror film. ( Read more... )

Vampire at night

Moping looks extra picturesque at night. Thank you, Will. Most of these photos were created by tinkering with greyscale, levels and burn/dodge around his eyes. They're gloooowwwwwing.... First is my favorite.

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