I had a phase when I was ten or so when I adored horror flicks. In retrospect, I think what I actually enjoyed was the concept of horror films: knowing the plot, the characters and the jump-scares. I admired horrific creativity, messed-up plot twists, and absurd situations. So no, I didn't like watching horror films. But I sure enjoyed hearing about them.
*Movies available to stream on Netflix have a star next to them*
*Movies available to borrow for free from the NYPL have a tilde next to them. Go to http://browse.nypl.org and place your hold*
10. The Good Son (1993)
A young Frodo meets that kid from Home Alone. The director, Joseph Ruben, knows how to paint the picture of evil. Young Frodo has just lost his mom. He moves in with Home Alone's family, only to discover that Home Alone is evil and manipulative. What I like about this movie is the implicit possession; to me, films like the Exorcist lack subtlety and relatable situations. The Good Son will make you scared, but maybe not for the reasons you think it will. A modern rendition of this movie would be We Need to Talk about Kevin (2011), which is equally good (but I plan on writing about it later).
9. The DaVinci Code (2006)*
I haven't watched this movie very recently, so it's a bit blurry in my mind. But I do remember intense mystery, Audrey Tautou, and self-flagellation. In any case, it's artfully adapted from a classic thriller novel, and does justice to its use suspense and horror. It's a bit of a tough movie, and it's the kind where you feel less innocent once you're done watching it.
8. Inception (2010) ~
Yes, it's a completely ridiculous, implausible movie. But apart from being esthetically stunning, Inception is also a real emotional rollercoaster (once you actually understand the plot - Inception might require more than one viewing). Christopher Nolan will take your breath away with fast-pace scenes and expert storytelling skills. The last shot of this film (which involves a top) is the very definition of an unresolved cliff hanger. Basically the entire meaning of the film hinges on this final scene. And that's a thriller that I might enjoy.
7. Se7en (1995) ~
Ah yes. Ever wondered what would happen if a high-caliber murderer punished you for a sin you committed? And not only that: what if that psychopath accomplished this by simply turning your own vices against you? Take, for example, a gluttonous man, who is forced to eat until his bowels literally implode. This is the plot of Se7en, a thriller/horror flick featuring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman. David Fincher, the director, appears for a second time on this list. This movie gets an A+ for ingenuity, classical references, and absolute disgust.
6. Dead Calm (1989)
I will never, ever, ever go on a sailing trip for my honeymoon. First, because I don't like boats. Second, because I watched Dead Calm when I was young. Directed by Philip Noyce, this movie is everything you hate about horror flicks: dumb characters, dubious plots, and no sense of stranger danger. And yet this movie is both entertaining and horrific to watch. Dead Calm talks about Nicole Kidman and Sam Neill, a lovely couple on a sailing honeymoon *shudder.* All of a sudden, a boat appears at the horizon, and things go downhill from there. (Disclaimer: no pirates involved. Just a lonely psychopath.)
Little Entracte:
***DURING INTENSE OR STRESSFUL SCENES, I COMPULSIVELY START EATING POPCORN AT A FASTER PACE***
5. Gone Girl (2014) ~
Two words to describe this movie? Plot twist. The director of this film, David Fincher, beautifully adapted Gillian Flynn's novel (which I hear is "better than the movie," as per usual) to the big screen. The movie is horrifying, fast-paced, and makes you realize that a thriller is that much better when the characters appear human. For instance, as the film progresses, the audience realizes that the main character isn't as virtuous and blameless as he seemed to be in the beginning of the movie. This movie stands out thanks to its attention to characters and super-convincing plot twists.
4. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) ~
Have you ever been so desperate to catch a psychopath that you've resorted to consult a legendary psychopath about it? Silence of the Lambs does it. Better. This movie is horrifically 90's. You'll want to reach into the screen and stop what's happening at any given moment. Silence of the Lambs features mind-blowing use of cinematic red herrings, POV shots, and mythical acting. The director, Jonathan Demme, is a master at suspense and storytelling. Must-watch film for all those Hannibal Lector fans.
3. Circle (2015)*
This recent film, directed by Aaron Hann and Mario Miscione, is one that I stumbled upon while browsing through Netflix. The movie tells the story of a group of strangers forced into a game where only one person can survive - each ten minutes, everyone has to vote for another person to get killed off. I was absolutely blown away by this thriller/horror movie for multiple reasons. First of all, it's an effective low-budget film - whereas movies like Inception rely partly on intense visuals, Circle proves that it doesn't take much to create shock and suspense. Second of all, Circle isn't only a thriller: it's also a striking social commentary, a case against humanity, a case for humanity, and a test of logic and deduction.
2. Rope (1948) ~
Forget Psycho. Rope is one of Alfred Hitchcock's most underrated films. Starring a psychopath, his skeptical lackey, a bunch of (initially) unsuspecting guests and a corpse, Rope is not only a thrilling watch: it's also a cinematographic feat, since it comprises of just one, uncut shot. Through this film I explored not only Hitchcock's penchant for visual perfection: I also got a look into the work of a man they call "the master of suspense." Yes, you can watch Psycho, and analyze that one shower scene into oblivion. But you should leave room for Rope, and bite your nails over this prideful murder.
1. The Shining (1980)*
Stanley Kubrick's thrilling masterpiece, or the movie that made you afraid of empty hotels and tall mazes. Whatever you call it, The Shining features masterful suspense and unending horror. Kubrick's Shining made me realize that it doesn't take extravagant means to instill fear in your audience. My favorite passage in the film is when the little boy, Danny, cruises around the deserted hotel on his little tricycle. The camera is at his level, close to the ground, giving the successive halls a grand, ghastly look. This prolonged shot builds incredible suspense, making you sense the approach of a jump-scare. Shining is the king of psychological thrillers, and I consider it a priority to anyone who hasn't seen it yet.
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