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 Art tips and techniques, reviews and interviews from my studio. Archived here and at World Famous Comics. Comics 101 for 10/28/2004 UPDATED! Editorial: My Top Five Favorite Horror Films Hey, everybody! For all of this month and just in time for Halloween, Comics 101 will be featuring articles of the more macabre variety as we focus on the theme of 'horror' (one of my favorite genres of comics and film). So here each week in October, sink your plastic fangs into a horror flavored Comics 101 feature!Run away...'cause now it's Halloween. Shave your hair and burn your jeans. Evil could be right next door... or maybe just inside this week's Comics 101 columm! That's right, cause whether you agree or not, here comes my list for the top five best horror films of all time! And just in time for that holiest of nights, "All Hallow's Eve". I can't think of any other festive occasion that gets my blood pumping faster or my imagination running more rabid full of thoughts of monsters and undead eating hapless victims, serial killers stalking nitwit teenagers (and the obligatory virgin) and the occasional demonic force that could swallow your soul. Yes, I love horror movies and Halloween is the perfect time to celebrate in watching an excessive amount of this particular genre of cinema. So if you're a creepy horror geek like me (or like my pals Justin and Tom Mandrake) and just love talking about horror movies and watching them anytime of the year or if you're planning your own costume bash or ghoulish get-together this week and need some movie ideas then you've come to the right cyberspace. I recommend visually torturing your eyeballs and annihilating your brain with any or all of these titles from this definitive list of all films fearful, frightful and freakish for your sick and twisted viewing pleasure. 5) Evil Dead 2 
Let's give Justin first stab at this one...."A cabin in the woods, soul swallowing demons and a guy, but not just any ordinary guy. Directed by Sam Raimi and starring Bruce Campbell, Evil Dead 2 is a excellent mix of fun, fear and style." Very well said, Justin. This is one of the best horror films *ever* created. Not only is it scary, but it's damn funny too. It's a horror film that wasn't happy following formula so it crossed genres and escaped the mainstream, setting the standard for all "undead" features to follow. Excellent over the top acting and perfect comic timing by Campbell and inspired, eccentric and energetic camera work by Raimi. This movie is still *genuinely* scary at the all the right moments and doesn't pull any punches... or leave out any gore. And Raimi's and Campbell's follow-up, Army of Darkness, still stands as one of the best action/horror/comedy/fantasy movies ever in my book. In fact, I think it created that mixed-up genre so it may be the only one in that particular category. 4) The Exorcist 
Justin - "The plight of twelve year old Regan MacNeil is disturbing, fightening and shocking. Regan seems to suffer from some sort of mental disorder that only gets worse over time. At first, her mother turns to modern medicine and doctors to diagnose and treat her condition. She will slowly learn that it's not Regan's body or even her mind that
needs to be saved, it's her soul. William Friedkin directs a compelling and
true horror movie."Again, another movie that doesn't pull any punches and made more disturbing and horrific by the fact that a twelve year old girl (Linda Blair) can be portrayed to be so insanely evil in such a believable and convincing fashion. I love the slow steady build-up of this film. When Father Merrin (Max Von Sydow) shows up to open a can of whup-ass on ol' Satan himself this movie really takes off. The theme music - unforgettable. People tend to forget how truly scary this film is and make light of it's portrayal of demonic possession and the multitude of obscene vulgarities spewing from the mouth of a child like a machine gun. Though folks are pretty much desensitized to the kinds of images present in this film from other media today (most notably other films that were inspired from this original work), I dare you to sit in the dark and watch this in the privacy of your own home... alone. Don't say I didn't warn you. 3) The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 
Don't bother with the brand new version recently released on DVD earlier this year. Save your money and pop this true original and truly frightening classic into your DVD player instead. From the opening imagery of roadkill and death and decay along with the narrator's dry delivery of dialogue, you know there's something seriously wrong going to happen in this movie. It's powerful sense of impending, maddening doom threatening the sanity of a group of innocent young travelers is made all the more dreadful by the film's raw, almost documentary type feel (due in no small part to Tobe Hooper's low budget I'm sure). It seriously feels like your watching and witnessing and honest to goodness 'snuff' filmThis movie is more "Blair Witch" like than the Blair Witch Project really was or wish it could have been with it's almost documentary, snuff film approach. When people are killed in this movie, it really feels like they are *killed*. You can literally feel the uncomfortable, sweaty Texas climate exude off the celluloid putting you right in the thick of the carnage. A scary film so effective that it's only soundtrack is the bizarre, organic and mechanical noises coming from the sounds of pigs, chickens, cameras, chainsaws and the decaying household that is the centerpiece of the gritty on location shoot. It's the pacing, convincing acting, bizarre visuals and frenetic camera work that make this movie unsettling and nerve-wracking, not the actual gore (which is all implied since in fact there is very little of it in comparision to an average horror film). Justin - "Texas Chainsaw Massacre has compelled countless numbers of horror fans and remained in their minds since it was first released in 1974, but not me. I don't really feel much for this film one way or another. I have to be honest, I haven't seen this movie for a long time so this may not be a fair assessment. I'll watch it again before next Halloween and let you know what I think then." Shame on you, Justin. You're not the true horror freak I thought you were! And this coming from the self-proclaimed lover of all films "serial killer". By the way, I took a bullet for the team and actually sat through the recent 'remake' of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. I know New Line Cinema hyped it as a 'reimagining' but it's just a flacid remake as far as I'm concerned simply because it didn't really have it's own unique or distinct feel and didn't bring anything new to the table. And what is the point of remaking or 'reimagining' a film if you don't plan to or can't improve on the original? I can think of other horror remakes that *did* improve on the original like Carpenter's 'The Thing' or David Cronenberg's The Fly. But this one definitely didn't improve on Tobe Hooper's classic in anyway and felt like a watered down, History Channel version of the original. The young actors looked too pretty and their characters instantly stereotyped (unlike the original) to even feel anything for them or relate with them in their fear and terror. The cinematography, though visually impressive and interesting (completed by the original film's cinematrographer) was hindered by uneven pacing of story, pointless characters (what was the point of the unnecessary 'infant' subplot really? And don't even get me started on that kid from The Ring Jedediah) and at times mediocre directing and editing with very few real scares involved. I should have known better with a movie produced by Michael 'attention deficient disorder' Bay. Trust me folks, they don't come any more meaner, grittier or shocking than the original version of this movie. 'Who will survive and what will be left of them?' *Special triva or useless knowledge blurb* - The dialogue spoken by the narrator in *both* versions of the film is none other than John "Dan Fielding" Larroquette of Night Court fame. Now that's scary. 2) John Carpenter's The Thing 
John Carpenter's best film with a budget. Rob Bottin's effects are so frightenedly well done it's like watching a train wreck... with aliens. You just can't look away whenever the special effects are on display here. Well you could since you'll most likely be scared or freaked out, but you would be missing some of the best moments of the movie.Exceptional acting by an ensemble cast including genre favorite Keith David and Wilford Brimley. And Kurt Russell is the only actor in the world who can pull off wearing a huge sombrero in artic weather conditions while flying a helicopter since he's that damn cool. The script, editing and brave yet ambigious, "un-Hollywood" ending (a staple for Carpenter's work) really put this movie on another level above most horror films. "What can I say? This shape-changing, paranoia-inducing, ass-kicking, isolation spinechiller is another John Carpenter classic." - Justin Definitely. To describe this semi-apocalyptic chiller thriller I think King Willy said it best, "This is dread, man. Truly dread." 1) Halloween 
According to Justin, "Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to his hometown of Haddonfield to go on a murder spree on Halloween night. It's hard to believe such a simple concept makes such a great movie... but it does. Skillfully executed, atmospheric and suspenseful. An almost perfect horror film by John Carpenter."Almost perfect? How about the PERFECT horror film. Like it's predecessor, Psycho, this movie is the modern day grandaddy of all true horror films prior to and following it. It's the archetype for the teen slasher formula and set the standard for most horror films we've seen since. I still wish horror film directors today would take cues from this movie, just as you can see the influence of Carpenter taking cues from horror auteur, Alfred Hitchcock. It commands multiple viewings, much like any Hitchcock film, to see it's artistry on all of it's levels. It's not what we see of "the Shape" that scares us, it's what we don't see. The violence, gore and murders are skillfully implied, subtle and controlled along with some really tight, claustrophobic visuals. Carpenter's creation, the unstoppable, enigmaticly evil Michael Myers is truly one of the most scary movie slashers of all time. This monstrous sociopatch still gives me nightmares from watching this movie. Even with the likable and talented Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode, veteran actor Donald Pleasance as the unflappable, obsessed Dr. Sam Loomis steals the show here and creates one of the most iconic horror film protagonists ever. And the soundtrack (written and created by Carpenter himself) alone induces serious chills and takes the visual aspect of the film to a whole other level. Perhaps the best independent horror flick ever made (again, I say the Blair Witch can take a hike) and Carpenter's best film 'without' a budget. But like Tobe Hooper, Carpenter gets the most shock value out of his limited resources here, proving yet again that less is more. He creates the slow building, eerie sense of atmosphere superbly letting the audience explore their own nightmares and psychological baggage with his work along the way. The last fifteen minutes will chill you down to the bone. Here's my very close calls for fifth place.... Suspiria One of the best films from Italian horror maestro, Dario Argento. From the opening, very elaborate and totally entertaining death scene, this movie is filled to the brim with eerie tension with superb directing and editing. Only Argento with his garish visual palette and masterful timing can make sliding glass doors look unnerving and deadly. This horror experience is also enhanced with incredible music by Goblin (co-produced with Argento) and is probably one of the most effective horror film scores ever comparable to Carpenter's 'Halloween' and 'The Thing' (which Carpenter co-produced with legendary composer Ennio Morricone). The film is about a New York ballerina (Jessica Harper, with some of the most expressionistic eyes in a horror film since Barbara Steele) who enrolls at a haunted 'Black Forest' dance school run by a coven of witches. And these aren't the likable or sexy kind of witches you'd expect to find these days on shows like 'Buffy' or 'Charmed' either. Seek this classic out and like the original trailer for the film says, nothing will prepare you for the last frightening ten minutes of this film. Well... maybe you're a little desensitized like me and possibly feel the dated effects of this movie, but it's still genuinely and satisfyingly creepy nonetheless. Delamorte, Delamore (a.k.a. Cemetary Man) I just *love* this Italian horror flick. Directed by Michele Soavi (The Church, The Devil's Daughter) Dellamorte, Dellamore is by far one of the most stylish and beautiful zombie films, or horror films for that matter, ever made. Soavi is the protege' to the Italian "giallo" master, Dario Argento. While watching Soavi's film one can easily see the influence from one of the masters of great Italian horror but this student of the macabre really comes into his own and excels in true form here. In fact, not since the original Dawn of the Dead or even 28 Days Later has there been a horror movie about zombies this refreshing and unique with its macabre subject matter balanced with an appealing, philosophical approach on life, love and death itself. The film also complements the over the top violence and perfectly staged gore gags with artfully done cinematography and dialogue. It really is levels above your typical zombie-horror fare. The film's exceptional score really enhances the moody characters and twisted plot. I wish I could track down and own this soundtrack on CD, it's that good. Everything in this film is really much deeper than at first glance. It's layers, upon unfolding layers and the final scene should make you go back and watch the opening frames of the film with an even more attentive eye. Do yourself a favor this Halloween and track this movie down. Especially if you're an Evil Dead or Romero fan. It's not to be missed and even if you don't like the plot or get the philosophy there's at least plenty of Anna Falchi throughout to tide you over. The Ring I *highly* reccomend this movie from Gore 'Pirates of the Carribean' Verbinski. A geniunely CREEPY, HAUNTING, SCARY movie without the typical gore and cheap scares of regular horror flicks today. If you're thinking because it's PG-13 it can only be "scary-lite" as a "thriller" like The Sixth Sense... think again. This film is so much more disturbing I feel bad even mentioning it in the same sentence as that movie. The sound effects and editing in this film are exquisite and superbly elevates the tension and scares in this superbly paced shocker. Gore's level of control and tight directing is almost unparalleled in regards to most modern horror these days. This is the 'almost' perfect horror film. If your ticker can handle the previous films I've outlined how about kissing your nerves goodbye and tackling these flicks? Here's my list of honorable mentions... AlienHaven't seen one or two of these yet? Seek them out, you won't be disappointed. Justin, "Joe has some great notable mentions for best horror movies. I'll match his list with mine!" Jaws"For almost horror movies, I'd like to mention A Chinese Ghost Story and The Crow." Great list, Justin! Though I find that Jaws, Aliens and Brotherhood of the Wolf are *so* good they sort of exist outside my realm of true horror or my definition of the genre since these are truly unique works of art. In fact, these films belong in my favorite films of all time list, a list that knows no genre boundaries. I also think these particular movies succeed beyond classification because of their own brand of originality, though Aliens and Jaws are indeed truly some of the best scary films of all time. Along with these notables, here's a few new horror flicks from 2004 you should check out right away... The Grudge Not as mentally challenging or rewarding as The Ring, but it can be as genuinely creepy and scary in most regards. Even without the subtext it had me looking over my shoulder, avoiding my closets and looking under the covers (see the film) the next few days. Visually slick and stylish, a well done horror movie that's actually better than what most typical American horror movie-going mall rat audiences deserve. This is the remake of the already Japanese classic, Ju-On: The Grudge, and is even directed by the original director, Takashi Shimizu, and brought to you by Sam Rami's new studio, Ghost House Productions. Like consistent genre favorites Lion's Gate Films and Castle Hill, this was an excellent effort from the new kid on the block and I'm looking forward to see what the producers at Ghost House bring us next. Saw An intriguing, morbid horror movie, twisted with gritty visuals and lots of potential but falls apart in the the third act I think. It could have further developed the villian's character and motives making the big 'twists' and 'reveals' that come in the finale that much more powerful and interesting. You could tell the director and writer of the film were inspired from Se7en and David Fincher in general. Cary Elwes starts off great but his acting becomes a little hammy towards the end but given the predicament he ends up in I'm willing to let it slide. Danny Glover is decent too but perhaps they could have done more to utlize him in the story. Still, it's compelling to the end and was better than most of the typical horror thrillers out there. But Silence of the Lambs and Se7en this is not. The Machinist Great, existential horror flick, but perhaps not a true horror film in the traditional sense of the genre. Creepy, surreal and also visually superb. Plot-wise, if it reminds you of another Fincher flick when you see it then you think you've got it all figured out then you're only about half-way there and missing the jist of the story. It stands on it's own as a compelling tale of the downward spiral of a tortured insomniac losing his grip on reality. I thought Chistian Bale's performance is fascinating. You cannot deny this guy is hardcore and will make an amazing Batman. He takes this film to a whole other level with his prescence and physcial transformation alone. He is incredible in this movie. The Last Horror Movie This was a very nice surprise for me. It's similar in vein to Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer but more in the reality TV sense. But make no mistake, it's like one long 80 minute 'snuff' film. It's constantly schocking and twisted with a completely intriguing performance from the lead actor who plays the depraved, psychotic serial killer. This one is not for the squeamish and if you can't cope with or condone realistic, disturbing violence in the cinema then stay away. A solid, superb horror film. Of the four films The Machinist is the best one, the most consistent, complex and rewarding. But if you're looking for fast, furious and fun frights without the 'baggage' of plot then check out The Grudge.  What?! Evil Dead 2 is in your top five horror films? You've got to be kidding me! Who is this guy?  Now this guy, he has class! -Joe Recent Columns:
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