Written by Guest on 31.07.2010 at 18:22

Wolf Creek. Now there's a gross film.

Oh! And Eden Lake! Fuck, that film will probably only be scary to people from the UK who have an understanding of chav culture and continuing persecution we alternative lot face on a day to day basis. Makes me not want to leave the house.

Here's the wiki article for Eden Lake. I recommend the film wholeheartedly

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eden_Lake?wasRedirected=true

Wolf Creek is nasty, especially that "head on a stick" part....

Yep, I think only people from the UK could truly be scared by Eden Lake. I live near a lot of chavs (neds were I come from) and seeing that movie just intensified the fear that I already have of those types of people. I am sometimes really scared just living where I do. And that movie plays on that fear, and thats why its truly terrifying.

Oh, and the bit you're talking about where the guy twitches about on the floor after being hit by the hammer, is from the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre. lol

Written by Guest on 31.07.2010 at 18:09

If I saw a film called Midnight Meat Train I would assume it's a porn flick haha!

haha, never thought of it this way.. i think you should watch it though, even if just for a good laugh, the CGI effects are as cartoonish as in Terminator 1 or Evil Dead.

Written by Valentin B on 31.07.2010 at 18:38

Written by Guest on 31.07.2010 at 18:09

If I saw a film called Midnight Meat Train I would assume it's a porn flick haha!

haha, never thought of it this way.. i think you should watch it though, even if just for a good laugh, the CGI effects are as cartoonish as in Terminator 1 or Evil Dead.

Ok I'll make a point of doing so. A bit of cheese every now and then can't hurt

Written by Angelic Storm on 31.07.2010 at 18:37

Wolf Creek is nasty, especially that "head on a stick" part....

Yep, I think only people from the UK could truly be scared by Eden Lake. I live near a lot of chavs (neds were I come from) and seeing that movie just intensified the fear that I already have of those types of people. I am sometimes really scared just living where I do. And that movie plays on that fear, and thats why its truly terrifying.

Oh, and the bit you're talking about where the guy twitches about on the floor after being hit by the hammer, is from the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre. lol

Yuck I hate the whole twitching thing, I'd take dismemberment over that any day. Like the bit in Terminator 2 when the T-1000 jams his finger through the cop's eye and he stands there flailing and twitching. It's just wrong. Wrong I tell you!

I'm glad I'm moving to Brighton, England's gay capital, which has virtually no chavs.

I'm not gay. Just moving there. Just thought I'd make that clear =P

Written by Guest on 31.07.2010 at 18:46
Yuck I hate the whole twitching thing, I'd take dismemberment over that any day. Like the bit in Terminator 2 when the T-1000 jams his finger through the cop's eye and he stands there flailing and twitching. It's just wrong. Wrong I tell you!

I'm glad I'm moving to Brighton, England's gay capital, which has virtually no chavs.

I'm not gay. Just moving there. Just thought I'd make that clear =P

Yep, exactly. Id rather see heads and limbs hacked off than that type of "twitching"! The thing about Texas Chainsaw Massacre, is not only is it low budget, which highlights the realism, the knowledge that what happens in that film could happen in reality, is the thing that truly terrifies about it. The absense of gore leaves much to the imagination, which is always more frightening IMO.

Woah, you're lucky. I wish I was moving to somewhere where there's hardly any neds. lol

I think I guessed that. Not that there's anything wrong with being gay.

Yeah, TCM is somewhat freaky, but it's also a bit like a black comedy at times. I've read it being hyped as extremely terrifying when it isn't, really. Just a bit chilling for a while.

Written by Guest on 31.07.2010 at 14:57

[REC] is probably my favourite shaky-cam horror, particularly the last 20 mins or so.

Fuck man... I'm late to say this but I'll say it anyway.

Fuck... that shit was scary... I mean... fucking fuck! You know... Before I saw this movie like 2 years ago I was like "damn guys... Horror movies aren't my thing anymore... Because people just can't seem to get them right"

This movie was like a kick in the nuts to that thought I had.
The last 20 minutes (specially when the camera goes to dark-vision)... I felt true horror. Even when I was scared as hell I was really happy deep inside since I didn't felt like that in years. This is how horror movies should be now. It looked so realistic.

Sadly, I can't agree with Paranormal activity... I found it just ok.

Written by X-Ray Rod on 09.02.2011 at 20:54

Written by Guest on 31.07.2010 at 14:57

[REC] is probably my favourite shaky-cam horror, particularly the last 20 mins or so.

Fuck man... I'm late to say this but I'll say it anyway.

Fuck... that shit was scary... I mean... fucking fuck! You know... Before I saw this movie like 2 years ago I was like "damn guys... Horror movies aren't my thing anymore... Because people just can't seem to get them right"

This movie was like a kick in the nuts to that thought I had.
The last 20 minutes (specially when the camera goes to dark-vision)... I felt true horror. Even when I was scared as hell I was really happy deep inside since I didn't felt like that in years. This is how horror movies should be now. It looked so realistic.

Sadly, I can't agree with Paranormal activity... I found it just ok.

Yeah getting a horror film right, as in it's genuinely scary and not reliant on shock tactics, is a total rarity. I could probably count the true horror films on one hand to be honest.

Written by Irritable Ted on 09.02.2011 at 21:20


Why are remakes so crap? Are there any remakes better than the original in the horror genre?

Yeah, The Thing ;] better than The Thing from Another World. Both are great though. Also: The Fly.

Written by Irritable Ted on 09.02.2011 at 21:26

Forgot that The Thing was a remake. D'oh! Is The Fly strictly a remake, the two films are VERY different. Same basic story though.

I wasn't paying attention the original all that much when I saw it, seemed pretty similar though. Obviously the newer one is slightly grimmer and gorier than the original =3

I was thinking of my favorite horror movies. Here it goes:


...of the Dead trilogy
Yes, the trilogy, the later movies can't compete.

Don't Look Now
Not strictly a horror movie, but extremely gloomy and surely has some horror elements.

Zombi 2
It's very flawed but good parts make up for it - zombi vs. shark, the eye-stabbing scene etc.

Possession
Again I'm not sure if it's horror, strictly speaking, but one of the craziest and creepiest movies I've seen. Isabella Adjani is simply magnificient.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Not really an original choice, but I simply love the southern atmosphere and the absolute senselessness of the violence that is committed there.

Martyrs
It losed a bit of its charm the second time I watched it but still very brutal stuff; with extremely hot chicks, I have to say.

Eden Lake
The absolutely grim ending took me by surprise.


These are the first ones that come to mind when I think of good horror movies. I should remind myself to check out Argento and Bava, I have heard so many good things about their work.

Written by Guest on 09.02.2011 at 21:14

Yeah getting a horror film right, as in it's genuinely scary and not reliant on shock tactics, is a total rarity. I could probably count the true horror films on one hand to be honest.

Pffft...scaredy-cats. The last 10 minutes are scary, I'll give you that, but most of the film comes off as a comedy to me. "I hate my neighbours, they eat raw fish! Never mind the dead people everywhere, how does my hair look on camera?"

But there's basically two problems that make the film not work for me. 1) The plot is explained in between the attacks, which is rubbish. If you're going for realism, then you don't explain what's happening, realism comes from NOT knowing what's going on and what could happen next. The scene before the very ending, where they play the tape comes off as so obviously scripted that it's laughable.
2) The character holding the camera doesn't act like he's in danger. The audience experiences REC from a first person perspective - we are holding the camera. Yet, when the zombie woman comes running from the corridor, the camera guy - that's us - doesn't even turn around, but backs away, while filming the approaching zombie. Later he behaves in the same manner when the little girl bites the medic in the face. How am I supposed to be scared when the me character isn't?
Don't show the zombies running, let us hear their footsteps getting closer. What you cannot see making noises in the dark is scarier than that, which you can see (evidenced by the final 10 minutes). Hearing is the more emotional of the senses (evidenced by Shyamalan's The Signs), these are horror movie basics, guys, and you got them mostly wrong.

Nice try though.

Written by Guest on 09.02.2011 at 23:15

Written by Guest on 09.02.2011 at 21:14

Yeah getting a horror film right, as in it's genuinely scary and not reliant on shock tactics, is a total rarity. I could probably count the true horror films on one hand to be honest.

Pffft...scaredy-cats. The last 10 minutes are scary, I'll give you that, but most of the film comes off as a comedy to me. "I hate my neighbours, they eat raw fish! Never mind the dead people everywhere, how does my hair look on camera?"

But there's basically two problems that make the film not work for me. 1) The plot is explained in between the attacks, which is rubbish. If you're going for realism, then you don't explain what's happening, realism comes from NOT knowing what's going on and what could happen next. The scene before the very ending, where they play the tape comes off as so obviously scripted that it's laughable.
2) The character holding the camera doesn't act like he's in danger. The audience experiences REC from a first person perspective - we are holding the camera. Yet, when the zombie woman comes running from the corridor, the camera guy - that's us - doesn't even turn around, but backs away, while filming the approaching zombie. Later he behaves in the same manner when the little girl bites the medic in the face. How am I supposed to be scared when the me character isn't?
Don't show the zombies running, let us hear their footsteps getting closer. What you cannot see making noises in the dark is scarier than that, which you can see (evidenced by the final 10 minutes). Hearing is the more emotional of the senses (evidenced by Shyamalan's The Signs), these are horror movie basics, guys, and you got them mostly wrong.

Nice try though.

Your rules, not ours (most people), suspension of disbelief being totally untenable in your world. You've once again attacked a form of presentation, a type of film in essence, rather than having a decent grasp of the subject matter. By your account the shaky-cam horror film should not exist as the shear idea of one attempting to film real life situations that would render any human in absolute terror and their life at immediate and continued risk (zombie undead, giant flailing arm monster etc) would be reduced purely to a few shots of establishing narrative and then the holder of the camera throwing it down on the floor (then breaking or filming in a static manner for x amount of time). Suffice to say it would not be very entertaining. Continually trying to ascribe logic to such styles and situations is where you continually fall and fail.

Though I tend to agree that what we see is not as emotive as what we don't. Which is why The Blair Witch Project is easily the scariest film ever made. And by your descriptors you should agree with me.

Written by Guest on 09.02.2011 at 23:34

By your account the shaky-cam horror film should not exist as the shear idea of one attempting to film real life situations that would render any human in absolute terror (zombie undead, giant flailing arm monster etc) would be reduced purely to a few shots of establishing narrative and then the holder of the camera throwing it down on the floor (then breaking or filming in a static manner for x amount of time). Continually trying to ascribe logic to such styles and situations is where you continually fall and fail.

This film is a mocumentary, asking for realism - first time I've done that - is entirely appropriate here. As for shaky shots and throwing the camera to the floor, well yeah, that would probably be the case. I am not saying I have any answers for how to film a movie like REC in a way that's believable, but doesn't make you throw up from all the shaking at the same time (though having more slow shots of dark hallways might work). The parts regarding the plot description however - that contrived garbage - are easy to improve by leaving them on the cutting room floor. I don't want to know where the zombies came from, especially when they zombies themselves have to literally walk away from the door to make room for poorly written exposition. Don't tell your audience what's going on, if you want them to be truly frightened and confused, as people in such a situation would be. Projecting one self into the film is especially important in these types of films and I couldn't do so with REC, with the exception of the ending, which did everything right.

Quote:

Though I tend to agree that what we see is not as emotive as what we don't. Which is why The Blair Witch Project is easily the scariest film ever made. And by your descriptors you should agree with me.

Haven't seen it. Though I am sure that a forest setting is much better than a building. Even if you are trapped in a building and you may not be able to get out, at least you know where "out" is. Lost in the woods is a much better setup for a truly horrifying story.

Written by Guest on 09.02.2011 at 21:23
Also: The Fly.

I have to confess, Ive never seen the original. However, Id be amazed if it could top the sheer awesomeness of Cronenberg's Fly. The build up to the grisly and tragic climax is so captivating and tense. Mainly due to the genius script, effects, and of course, a masterful performance by Jeff Goldblum. It manages to horrify and tug at your heart strings in equal measure, which is a very rare thing, (and very difficult to pull off) in the horror genre. Amazing movie. xD

Written by Guest on 09.02.2011 at 23:47


This film is a mocumentary, asking for realism - first time I've done that - is entirely appropriate here. As for shaky shots and throwing the camera to the floor, well yeah, that would probably be the case. I am not saying I have any answers for how to film a movie like REC in a way that's believable, but doesn't make you throw up from all the shaking at the same time (though having more slow shots of dark hallways might work). The parts regarding the plot description however - that contrived garbage - are easy to improve by leaving them on the cutting room floor. I don't want to know where the zombies came from, especially when they zombies themselves have to literally walk away from the door to make room for poorly written exposition. Don't tell your audience what's going on, if you want them to be truly frightened and confused, as people in such a situation would be. Projecting one self into the film is especially important in these types of films and I couldn't do so with REC, with the exception of the ending, which did everything right.

Quote:

Though I tend to agree that what we see is not as emotive as what we don't. Which is why The Blair Witch Project is easily the scariest film ever made. And by your descriptors you should agree with me.

Haven't seen it. Though I am sure that a forest setting is much better than a building. Even if you are trapped in a building and you may not be able to get out, at least you know where "out" is. Lost in the woods is a much better setup for a truly horrifying story.

I can't say I particularly remember the plot, certainly don't recall being irked by any overtly unrealistic contrivances (contrivances are often intentional, especially when aiming for wider audiences which I think is probably the case with [REC]) and I don't think it's very important for such a film (breathless intensity rather than slow burning) to have a vastly credible mode of story-telling as this is clearly not designed to be super-realistic. Horror mockumentaries may aim for an aesthetic sense of realism but they almost always fall into a classic and conventional form of narrative flow. At the end of the day the premise is an old one, it's just more of a subversion of style than story telling. I can't imagine any one would leave a theatre saying "My word, what a wonderful story that film ([REC] in this case) had" rather they'd remember the atmosphere and sense of first-person terror. Whether or not the camera happen to be facing the monster/creature is not something that was a major issue for me in this particular film.

Blair Witch and Noroi: The Curse should be watched for masterclasses in mockumentary (of a slightly more realistic tone) style horror.

Incidentally afer consequent watches I found I didn't enjoy Cloverfield. I'm not sure why either. I loved the monster design and the decision to largely exclude lengthy takes of it but something about the film annoyed me. A bit of wasted opportunity.

Written by Angelic Storm on 09.02.2011 at 23:53

Written by Guest on 09.02.2011 at 21:23
Also: The Fly.

I have to confess, Ive never seen the original. However, Id be amazed if it could top the sheer awesomeness of Cronenberg's Fly. The build up to the grisly and tragic climax is so captivating and tense. Mainly due to the genius script, effects, and of course, a masterful performance by Jeff Goldblum. It manages to horrify and tug at your heart strings in equal measure, which is a very rare thing, (and very difficult to pull off) in the horror genre. Amazing movie. xD

Cronenberg is just awesome on most of his films. The Fly is probably the most memorable for me, but also the sickest. The ending sequences and some of the "digestion" sequences are almost too much to bear. I love it! Everything about it is awesome.

I agree with Jooe with the comment about Cloverfield... For some weird reason I just didn't like that movie.

"The Shining" for me. Very clever in that the entire film is light and bright (except of course for the final chase scene in the maze), but still manages to scare the shit out of me.

Any theories on the last scene of the movie where the camera zooms in on the NYE Ball photo of Jack Torrence from the 1920's?

Written by Guest on 10.02.2011 at 00:01
Cronenberg is just awesome on most of his films. The Fly is probably the most memorable for me, but also the sickest. The ending sequences and some of the "digestion" sequences are almost too much to bear. I love it! Everything about it is awesome.

Yep, pretty big Cronenberg fan here as well! The Fly is probably my fave work from him as well. As you said, some of the sequences are genuinely unsettling, and difficult to watch. The digestion sequences, the nail removal scene, and some of the end-section scenes are really disgusting. lol But its rare in that it's a gore movie with a heart. You're with Seth all the way, even when his hideous transformation into the fly starts to erode his humanity away. Probably Cronenberg's finest work, and one of the best movies ever made, imo. <3

Written by Angelic Storm on 10.02.2011 at 22:16

Written by Guest on 10.02.2011 at 00:01
Cronenberg is just awesome on most of his films. The Fly is probably the most memorable for me, but also the sickest. The ending sequences and some of the "digestion" sequences are almost too much to bear. I love it! Everything about it is awesome.

Yep, pretty big Cronenberg fan here as well! The Fly is probably my fave work from him as well. As you said, some of the sequences are genuinely unsettling, and difficult to watch. The digestion sequences, the nail removal scene, and some of the end-section scenes are really disgusting. lol But its rare in that it's a gore movie with a heart. You're with Seth all the way, even when his hideous transformation into the fly starts to erode his humanity away. Probably Cronenberg's finest work, and one of the best movies ever made, imo. <3

I started watching a few of his films recently: Dead Ringers, Naked Lunch, Eastern Promises and A History of Violence. All great films, though the latter two are obviously very different. I also rewatched Videodrome, largely considered to be his best by many, and I enjoyed it but not as much as when I was a kid.

I really loved Naked Lunch, it was just hilarious and twisted and Peter Weller was exceptional in the lead role (an underrated actor actually I think, only really known for his portrayal as RoboCop). Crash and eXistenZ are also fantastic.

I think he probably has the most consistantly excellent lead characters/actors in any filmography. Jeff Goldblum certainly being no exception. Then I suppose he's been pretty lucky to get some brilliant actors: Christopher Walken, James Woods, Jeremy Irons, Ralph Fiennes, Viggo Mortensen and.... Jude Law. Well he does pretty well with him.

Written by X-Ray Rod on 09.02.2011 at 20:54

Written by Guest on 31.07.2010 at 14:57

[REC] is probably my favourite shaky-cam horror, particularly the last 20 mins or so.

Fuck man... I'm late to say this but I'll say it anyway.

Fuck... that shit was scary... I mean... fucking fuck! You know... Before I saw this movie like 2 years ago I was like "damn guys... Horror movies aren't my thing anymore... Because people just can't seem to get them right"

This movie was like a kick in the nuts to that thought I had.
The last 20 minutes (specially when the camera goes to dark-vision)... I felt true horror. Even when I was scared as hell I was really happy deep inside since I didn't felt like that in years. This is how horror movies should be now. It looked so realistic.

Sadly, I can't agree with Paranormal activity... I found it just ok.

Totally agree with you guys on [REC], one of the best horror movies I've seen the last years. I almost pooped in my pants during the scene where the cameraman is filming in the attic, one of the last scenes, and this zombie comes out from the dark.

1 - Suspiria
2 - In The Mouth Of Madness
3 - Hellraiser and Hellraiser II (Hellbound)
4 - The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Original)
5 - Martyrs

Written by Guest on 31.07.2010 at 18:46

Written by Angelic Storm on 31.07.2010 at 18:37

Wolf Creek is nasty, especially that "head on a stick" part....

Yep, I think only people from the UK could truly be scared by Eden Lake. I live near a lot of chavs (neds were I come from) and seeing that movie just intensified the fear that I already have of those types of people. I am sometimes really scared just living where I do. And that movie plays on that fear, and thats why its truly terrifying.

Oh, and the bit you're talking about where the guy twitches about on the floor after being hit by the hammer, is from the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre. lol

Yuck I hate the whole twitching thing, I'd take dismemberment over that any day. Like the bit in Terminator 2 when the T-1000 jams his finger through the cop's eye and he stands there flailing and twitching. It's just wrong. Wrong I tell you!

I'm glad I'm moving to Brighton, England's gay capital, which has virtually no chavs.

I'm not gay. Just moving there. Just thought I'd make that clear =P

Wow, and I almost got extremely excited.

Sleep away Camp, for the obvious reasons.

I'm going to say a film that few people know!
"Them", it's a french film, inspired of facts really happened in Hungary (if I'm not wrong). I think it's the last film that got me scared a little (maybe more than a little).

1. Rose Red
2. Mad House
3. The Hitcher
4. Wolf Creek
5. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
6. Saw

Written by Zenzero on 05.04.2011 at 15:40

I'm going to say a film that few people know!
"Them", it's a french film, inspired of facts really happened in Hungary (if I'm not wrong). I think it's the last film that got me scared a little (maybe more than a little).

I watched "them" (Ils) last night; the action takes place in Romania (somewhere near the capital). Good movie, although I kinda doubt it's inspired by true events.

Written by Guest on 06.04.2011 at 15:15

Written by Zenzero on 05.04.2011 at 15:40

I'm going to say a film that few people know!
"Them", it's a french film, inspired of facts really happened in Hungary (if I'm not wrong). I think it's the last film that got me scared a little (maybe more than a little).

I watched "them" (Ils) last night; the action takes place in Romania (somewhere near the capital). Good movie, although I kinda doubt it's inspired by true events.

it's not based, but inspired! The real fact happened is: (SPOILER) wife and husband killed by 3 kids (about 10/15 years old) and found after 5 days! this happened in the Czech Republic.

Written by Zenzero on 06.04.2011 at 15:43

Written by Guest on 06.04.2011 at 15:15

Written by Zenzero on 05.04.2011 at 15:40

I'm going to say a film that few people know!
"Them", it's a french film, inspired of facts really happened in Hungary (if I'm not wrong). I think it's the last film that got me scared a little (maybe more than a little).

I watched "them" (Ils) last night; the action takes place in Romania (somewhere near the capital). Good movie, although I kinda doubt it's inspired by true events.

it's not based, but inspired! The real fact happened is: (SPOILER) wife and husband killed by 3 kids (about 10/15 years old) and found after 5 days! this happened in the Czech Republic.

oops, my mistake; I thought "based" and wrote "inspired".

I did not know about the story in the Czech Republic. Then why change the location?

Written by Guest on 06.04.2011 at 16:23

Written by Zenzero on 06.04.2011 at 15:43

Written by Guest on 06.04.2011 at 15:15

Written by Zenzero on 05.04.2011 at 15:40

I'm going to say a film that few people know!
"Them", it's a french film, inspired of facts really happened in Hungary (if I'm not wrong). I think it's the last film that got me scared a little (maybe more than a little).

I watched "them" (Ils) last night; the action takes place in Romania (somewhere near the capital). Good movie, although I kinda doubt it's inspired by true events.

it's not based, but inspired! The real fact happened is: (SPOILER) wife and husband killed by 3 kids (about 10/15 years old) and found after 5 days! this happened in the Czech Republic.

oops, my mistake; I thought "based" and wrote "inspired".

I did not know about the story in the Czech Republic. Then why change the location?

ehehe I don't know... but I don't care! I liked this film a lot! The american remake "the strangers" suck! It's so boring!