Since its officially fall, and thrill of Halloween is now in the air, here's my top picks for Horror/Suspense films that I think are must see's in this category and why (in no particular order).
28 Days Later-Directed by Danny Boyle
He kickstarted the Romero zombie craze all over again in the early 00's with this gritty take on zombies. It deals with an infection of rage, turning humans over to the dark side to prey on them in the afterlife. Great cast of character actors here, traversing their way through the UK, looking for salvation, humanity and a cure.
The Shining-Directed by Stanley Kubrick
Its Kubrick. And Stephen King. What more needs to be said about this classic? Psychological thriller meets suspense meets horror. The classic visual storytelling and classic acting from Jack Nicholson at the height of his career provide a great backdrop for the character and story evolution that we see take place throughout this visual masterpiece.
Season 1 of The Walking Dead-Directed by Frank Darabont
The director of The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile was brought in as a developer and director on the first season of the AMC original program that pushed the boundaries of what could be aired on cable tv. His eye for color, cinematic visual technique, and use of silence to heighten suspense are all qualities which give his films a certain look/feel. The reason I put this first season in with the aforementioned films, is because it plays out like a film. The first few episodes are similar in length and storytelling style to that of a feature film. Not to leave out the spectacular makeup and special effects from now executive producer Greg Nicotero, this first season is as close to the real zombie apocalypse as you can get-without getting blood on you!
Nightmare on Elm Street-Directed by Wes Craven
A legendary scary villain like Freddy Kruger doesn't often come along-he's the equivalent of our Heath Ledger Joker. So outlandishly creepy and in a time and place most of us can relate to-a bad dream. The film plays up the realistic insecurities of every human, both in reality and subconsciously. Plus-its Johnny Depp's first big-time starring role, and the film really showcases some great special effects of the time period.
Halloween-Directed by John Carpenter
Made on a shoestring budget with his wife and then unknown Jamie Lee Curtis, Carpenter crafts a classic teen slasher thriller that still delivers to this day. It kickstarted the franchise that just won't seem to die, like its main bad guy (Michael Myers). So the name has been dragged through the mud a bit, but this original version takes place on Halloween and can still creep you out a little with its great use of music and silence throughout if you decide to watch it alone in the dark.
Night of the Living Dead-George Romero
The film and the director that started it all-here we see the zombie apocalypse come to fruition successfully for the first time, thanks to great makeup, cinematography, some great acting performances and methodical directing from Romero to get the most out his zombies. Even though it may look a little hokey to most modern zombie film buffs, you really have to appreciate the seriousness with which he's trying to tell this story of survival.
Feel free to comment if you feel differently or think I left something off of my list.
Happy watching!
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