In honor of Halloween I decided to post my top five favorite “horror” movies. Somewhat nontraditional, but films that are effectively scary and terrifying, each in their own right.
5. Let the Right One In
This is a film that is as much about friendship and romance as it is about vampires. Creates a cold, sterile atmosphere that provides the appropriate and yet ironic contrast to the warm affection between vampire and child. Despite flaws in originality (obviously copying Twilight), I think this film serves the vampire-romance genre quite well.
4. The Shining
From the mastermind that is Stanley Kubrick, who really does have elements of terror in all of his movies, crafts his most popular movie behind the psychotic performance of Jack Nicholson. The camera movement is simply amazing from when we follow Danny on his tricycle, to the genius jarring of the camera as Jack chops down the bathroom door. One of my favorite scenes from the movie – Nicholson is amazing, the scene is simple but pretty foreboding.
3. Seven
A great horror film must create a palpable sense of atmospheric dread, and this is what is so masterful about Fincher’s Seven. From the opening murder investigation scenes to discussions about a man getting mugged in the park, the atmosphere is one of darkness. The tension that is played out between moral justice, divine wrath, and basic human depravity is shown at both its worst and its finest, all encapsulated by Detective Sommerset played by Morgan Freeman.
2. Requiem for a Dream
You may not find this one in your horror film cannon, but for me it is one of the scariest yet effective dramas I have ever seen. The plight of self destruction, the utter loss found in addiction, with the ironic and deluded sense of hope places the viewer in the subjective mindset of a heroin addict. The last twenty or so minutes of the film is absolutely staggering. Some may not have the stomach to watch it more than once, but it should be viewed at least once, as you will never want to do drugs. Ever.
1. Mullholland Dr.
A surreal nightmare filled with fears that we all encounter. Fear of safety, fear of unrequited love, fear of failure. What begins as a murder mystery turns into one of the best films about the destructive side about dreaming of stardom and success. As with Requiem passions become overwhelming and obsessive as dreams bleed into reality. Below is a scene that does a perfect job of unlocking the rest of the film, both structurally and thematically. It’s amazing.
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