The Mist (2007, black and white version)

The Mist (2007, black and white version) fell flat for me. I'm rarely one for creature features* -- I swing between finding the critters ludicrous, and pitiable. That was pretty much my take on this movie. I also find the emotionally-stunted male action-hero trope realllly played out and boring. Even taking the genre for what it is, however, the film left a lot to be desired. The scoring was absurdly melodramatic and the dialogue was overacted, even maudlin. I can't really think of anything positive to say. If you want to watch a newer horror film in black and white, I would recommend The Lighthouse (2019).

* With a few notable exceptions, like Shivers (1975), Slither (2006), and of course Jaws (1975). I'm also a fan of Tremors (1990), though I don't really consider that horror.

The Hour of the Wolf (1968)

I forgot I'd already seen Ingmar Bergman's The Hour of the Wolf (1968). It's Bergman so it ain't crap, but I don't care for this one. Unrequited love this pathetic doesn't sit well with me. Like his other works, this straddles genres, but I think it is better termed drama than horror

Photo: me whenever anything happens during the pandemic

The Innocents (1961)

The Innocents (1961) was fantastic! Beautiful  costumes too, and a gorgeous spooky mansion. Very tense! And intriguing, ambiguous action. Excellent.

"What shall I sing to my lord from my window?

What shall I sing, for my lord will not stay?

What shall I sing, for my lord will not listen?

Where shall I go when my lord is away? 

Whom shall I love when the moon is arisen?

Gone is my lord, and the grave is his prison.

What shall I say when my lord comes a-calling? 

What shall I say when he knocks on my door?

What shall I say when his feet enter softly?

Leaving the marks of his grave on my floor.

Enter my lord!

Come from your prison!

Come from your grave, for the moon is arisen.

Welcome, my lord...”

The Most Dangerous Game (1932)

Knowing we'd be watching Ready or Not (2019) tonight, I made sure to watch the original The Most Dangerous Game (1932) today in preparation. A pre-code classic horror film about a wealthy madman who hunts, you guessed it, people for sport. It was delightful actually. (Although in keeping with historical perspectives of women, the doe-eyed damsel of this film seemed to utterly lack interiority, but that's par for the course.)

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)

Jamie, Jake and I watched What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962). It was definitely disturbing, but we couldn't get over the fact that Blanche is so ridiculously passive in her attempts to get away from her crazy sister. Not sure if that's a function of the times/gender roles, or if Blanche was just kind of a wimp. 🤣 Also now that damn daddy song is stuck in my head. 😅 I will say, it was interesting how the film explored sibling rivalry and female/child exploitation.

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014), directed by Ana Lily Amirpour, was superb! Have you guys seen it?? If not, please move it to the top of your Watch list! Also, that Arash Marandi is quite the cutie!! 😊 A tremendous and truly original film.

A Field in England (2014)

A Field in England (2014) was great! But in no way would I call this a horror movie. It was an interesting blend of styles, but what I would maybe call a "gritty psychadelic drama." Pretty funny, too! Cool seeing Shearsmith outside of League of Gentlemen!

Son of Dracula (1943)

Son of Dracula (1943) has an interesting love triangle on a large plantation - early inspiration for Interview with the Vampire, perhaps. Nice all around! ⚰️🦇🦇👍

Dracula's Daughter (1936)

Dracula's Daughter (1936) features a showdown between the ancient powers of darkness and the modern powers of psychiatry. 😝 

Drácula (1931)

Drácula (1931) -- filmed with the same sets as the English version, at night, with a Spanish-speaking crew. I love Bela Lugosi, but I confess I prefer Carlos Villarías as the bloodsucking count!! Love the ambiance in this version, too. 

The Mummy (1932)

 Old school chills and thrills with 1932's The Mummy!

Diabolique (1955)

Loved Diabolique - snappy dialogue, a nice chance to practice my French comprehension, and a surprising denouement...

Nosferatu (1922)

 Love the score to Nosferatu 🎼

Cat People (1942)

A sad story... beautiful fashions though.

Repulsion (1965)

Wow, Polanski's 1965 Repulsion is POWERFUL!! Definitely one of the strongest films on this list. Dan pointed out something that I did not know, namely that Polanski himself is a sexual predator, which quite possibly informs this movie's gripping portrayal of one woman's (well-founded) androphobia. Yuck!!

Black Sunday, aka The Mask of Satan (1960)

First horror movie of the season: Black Sunday, aka The Mask of Satan. Awesome! 200 years after she is burned at the stake, local witch comes back to wreak her vengeance! Hold tight to your crucifixes!