USA
Written & Directed by Michael Dougherty
R, 82 min
While it's true most movies set on All Hallows' Eve seem to fall short of the true feel of the season, Dougherty's Trick or Treat really delivers. Based on the short film Season's Greetings, Trick 'r Treat takes things to a new level for genre aficionados. This anthology film (complete with plot twist, common ties between stories and even a fair bit a gratuitous nudity) takes us on a journey through the deadliest night of the year. As fun as it is creepy, this flick has something for all fans of Devil's Night mischief. It's difficult to explain the plot of this movie without giving too much away, but trust me when I say this is a must see for any fan of slashers, urban legend or any other horror sub-genre you can think of.
What good is a Halloween movie without a few laughs? This flick seems like the kind of movie my friends and I would joke about making one day, but Dougherty somehow keeps things together without going too far over the top. Granted part of the fun is that it's not meant to be taken too seriously, but unlike many anthology horror films over the years (I'm looking at you Creepshow), Trick 'r Treat manages to to scare, delight and titillate without "breaking the rules".
I've always been a big fan of genres, horror topping the list. However, this movie not only inspires from a visual stand point, but also a story-telling one. Dougherty does a great job weaving these little vignettes together, using common threads that string you along till the entire film comes full circle.
Random Trivia: Most of the Jack O' Lanterns were made out of either foam or ceramic. An on-set joke was that no pumpkins were harmed during the making of this movie.
Memorable Scene: A confused Mr. Wilkins crashes a party he wishes he never had.
Memorable Quote: "Charlie Brown's an asshole!"
Memorable Scene: A confused Mr. Wilkins crashes a party he wishes he never had.
Memorable Quote: "Charlie Brown's an asshole!"
5. The House of the Devil (2009)
USA
Written, Directed & Edited by Ti West
R, 95 min
When most people think of films set in the 80s, they think neon, leg warmers and the same 5 damn songs that play in every American 80s movie (ala Let Me In). Although this has all become synonymous with American culture in the 80s, those of us who where actually alive then know it was a much different experience. Ti West's House of the Devil explores a reality of the time that goes beyond fashion trends. This slow burner pays homage to the satanic panic film craze of the early 80's complete with bloody pentagrams, extreme zooms and paranoid babysitters. Claiming to be based on a true story in the opening text, House of the Devil tells the story of the financially struggling Samantha Hughes (Jocelin Donahue) who takes on an unusual baby-sitting gig in order to secure rent for her new apartment.
Memorable Scene: Basically any part of the final act.
Memorable Quote: "Are you not the babysitter?"
4. Black Swan (2010)
USA
Directed by Darren Aronofsky
R, 108 min
Ok so maybe you saw it, maybe you didn't, but we all know there was no escaping the hype behind Aronofskys latest venture. However, if you can put aside all the overly-exaggerated Academy praise and open yourself up to a creative original story, you might find yourself in for a nice surprise. Completed after a supposed 10 years in the making, Black Swan tells the story of Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman), a timid yet talented ballet dancer who is thrust into a world of psychological turmoil once being cast in the lead roll of Swan Lake. Being reviewed by every film site, including horror fan sites, Black Swan spans genres as a refreshing take on an existing tale, much unlike the current trend of remakes in Hollywood as of late.
Memorable Scene: 2 words: Swan Queen
Memorable Quote: "The only person standing in your way is you."
USA
Written, Directed & Edited by Ti West
R, 95 min
When most people think of films set in the 80s, they think neon, leg warmers and the same 5 damn songs that play in every American 80s movie (ala Let Me In). Although this has all become synonymous with American culture in the 80s, those of us who where actually alive then know it was a much different experience. Ti West's House of the Devil explores a reality of the time that goes beyond fashion trends. This slow burner pays homage to the satanic panic film craze of the early 80's complete with bloody pentagrams, extreme zooms and paranoid babysitters. Claiming to be based on a true story in the opening text, House of the Devil tells the story of the financially struggling Samantha Hughes (Jocelin Donahue) who takes on an unusual baby-sitting gig in order to secure rent for her new apartment.
Stylistically, this film does more then just reminisce about decades past; it evokes it. Using everything from freeze-frame credits to similar pacing of other thrillers from the era, House of the Devil takes things back to an age where horror movies were more then just glorified music videos. While this flick may be considered a bore for the ADHD generation of today, fans of the horror that used to terrify our parents will love this throwback to the simpler days of the genre.
Without saying too much about the actual plot, I found this movie to be a refreshing change of pace. The attention to small detail helps create an environment which compliments the vibe of the flick. Although not without a few anachronisms, director/writer/editor Ti West uses a subtle approach to camp with a few intentional errors which always became noticeable in other films of the era.
Random Trivia: The titular house was infested with ladybugs, some of which can be seen in a few of the shots.
Memorable Scene: Basically any part of the final act.
Memorable Quote: "Are you not the babysitter?"
4. Black Swan (2010)USA
Directed by Darren Aronofsky
R, 108 min
Ok so maybe you saw it, maybe you didn't, but we all know there was no escaping the hype behind Aronofskys latest venture. However, if you can put aside all the overly-exaggerated Academy praise and open yourself up to a creative original story, you might find yourself in for a nice surprise. Completed after a supposed 10 years in the making, Black Swan tells the story of Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman), a timid yet talented ballet dancer who is thrust into a world of psychological turmoil once being cast in the lead roll of Swan Lake. Being reviewed by every film site, including horror fan sites, Black Swan spans genres as a refreshing take on an existing tale, much unlike the current trend of remakes in Hollywood as of late.
Without saying too much about the plot, this thriller is bound more by the traditional roots of psychological horror then by any taboos of the theater arts. With the use of repeated motifs and themes, Aronofsky mirrors (pardon the pun) the original source material, without expecting the audience to know anything about Swan Lake going into it. Also, the double billing in the closing credits suggests we, the audience, should have noticed this story-in-a-story way before the screen fades to white.
Black Swan takes a classic tale and presses it against the back drop of modern society with stunning results. Not quite as "far out" as The Fountain, yet not as slow building as The Wrestler, Aronofsky finds the perfect balance with enough heart and suspense to stay with you for days after the first watch.
Random Trivia: The soundtrack, composed by Clint Mansell is a variation on Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" ballet, but played backwards and in a distorted manner.
Memorable Scene: 2 words: Swan Queen
Memorable Quote: "The only person standing in your way is you."
In the End: I suppose these 3 films have very little in common, however they all are original scripts, which deserves a bit of praise here in the age of "they-liked-it-then-lets-do-it-again". Aside from that, all 3 films work their own sub-genre in their own voice and also utilize modern and traditional techniques to help draw the viewer into the story.
All images belong to other people who are way richer then me.
No comments:
Post a Comment