[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s a horror movie newbie, my knowledge of the genre was limited—rather, I did not have an extensive knowledge on scary movies in general. However, since Halloween is coming up, I decided to join in on the festivities. On this mission to find a couple of horror movies for the Halloween season, I asked some scary movie junkies and obtained three solid flicks that were recommendations from the past.
“The Shining” (1980)
Adapted from the novel written by Stephen King, “The Shining,” directed by Stanley Kubrick, starts out tauntingly mellow as if something is going to pop up on the screen despite the peaceful tone. The film picks up the pace after the scene introduces Danny, the little boy who insists he has an imaginary friend. Danny’s power to “shine,” a telepathic talent and ability to see visions of the past and future, is an important factor of the story as mysterious events unfold. The storyline revolves around the father’s deteriorating mind and the eerie history of the hotel that he and his family are caretaking.
“The Shining” has an unpredictable plot, keeping the film full of suspense while toying with the audience’s minds. In all, “The Shining” is more creepy than it was scary, a bit dragged out around the middle and erratic. Things to note: there is vulgar language, nudity and violence.
“Scream” (1996)
With already two deaths within the first ten minutes, “Scream,” directed by Wes Craven, will definitely make you scream. Categorized as a “slasher” movie, a film full of constant killing and deaths, “Scream” will put you at the edge of your chair with its sporadic, frightful surprises. For example, I had a feeling that the masked killer was in hiding and ready to pounce on his target. However, it didn’t stop me from suffering a mini heart-attack when he suddenly popped out, knife in hand.
This classic horror flick is about a masked-killer and his accomplice hunting down and terrorizing a high school student, Casey, and her peers. If gore and violent scenes discomfort you, fear not because closed eyes and a stuffed animal can be handy to deflect bloody scenes. If you are into this sort of genre, “Scream” is definitely a classic horror film for you.
“Psycho” (1960)
Deemed probably the most “classic” movie of the three, “Psycho,” directed by Alfred Hitchcock, is a haunting film shot in black and white. Commended for being a well drawn-out horror movie in its time, “Psycho” deviates from the cultural norm of monster movies in the 1960s.
The film is about a woman who finds hospitality at a desolate motel owned by a young man, who seems to be under the demanding control of his mother. Although the simple plot line may sound arbitrary and trivial, the death of the young woman leads to a creepy end which will send shivers down your spine. “Psycho” has a great deal of mystery, suspense and plot-twisting qualities that will blow your mind. If you make it to the end, you’ll realize, as I certainly did, that “Psycho” was named substantially well.