Amanda Norman
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What is Classic Horror?
You might have read that my photography and jewellery is inspired by my love of Classic Horror, but what is my definition of classic horror?
Simply put….
‘Classic horror are the films of yesterday that today still stand the test of time. No CGI, just music, lighting effects and a good story that together builds a powerful atmosphere that you won’t forget’.
I’ve done quite a few posts featuring my favourite classic horror movies and below is my list of classics that should never be forgotten and by no means is this list complete. I’m sure you will add yours.
It worries me when Hollywood and the like make re-makes for the younger generations with all of their CGI and 3D technology that the originals will never want to be watched by future generations. This is one of my reasons why I fully support Richard Gladman’s Classic Horror Campaign and I highly recommend that if you’re a fan of classic horror, you visit the campaign’s website and show your support. Click here for Classic Horror Campaign and look out for future double bill events coming your way and you can then join in on the fun.
Where I’ve wrote about my favourite movies in the past, they will link up to the relevant post for further reading.
This list isn’t in order of preference and feel free to add your thoughts and favourites.
Halloween
John Carpenter’s 1978 film starring Donald Pleasence and Jamie Curtis is one film that scared me simply because Carpenter created a monster called Michael that would never die. What was Michael hiding behind that mask of his?
It’s an all time classic as the music was spooky and eerie and you can’t tell me that you never jumped once when feeling compassion for Jamie’s character, hoping that she will survive. The original version of Halloween is a classic and I would be extremely disappointed if future generations only got to see the sequels.
Exorcist
Absolutely shocking and damn right scary for it’s time. Heads spinning, green puke, scary eyes and OMG that voice that you will never forget!
I can’t believe that I advised my daughter who was 19 at the time to watch this movie and she came back telling me that her and friends couldn’t stop laughing at it and that it was rubbish. OMG! What does this say about generations younger than me?
Cujo
Awwwww, what a cute little puppy….
Is something you won’t say in this film.
The little boy in this film made it for me. Remember when he was having that asthma attack and they’re trapped in the car by the rabid St Bernard that’s drooling down the windscreen just waiting to rip them to shreds? Click here for previous post titled ‘Horror No Go Zone’ for a video clip.
Salem’s Lot
‘You’ll enjoy Mr Barlow and he will enjoy you’.
I’ve wrote so much about this vampire movie made for television that I’m simply going to list the posts that feature Salem’s Lot.
The Legend of Hell House
Again, the music, the settings and that horrid black cat really make this movie an all time classic horror.
So, it’s now up to you to share your favourite classic horror movie and why.
Amanda Norman’s Most Memorable Vampires Part 1
Not all vampires from TV and the movies have to be scary to be memorable. By now, regular followers should know that my most scariest vampire of all time is the one and only Mr Barlow from Stephen King’s, Salem’s Lot (1979). Read my other post about ‘Scariest Vampire of All Time’ if you can’t get enough of Mr Barlow.
Below you will find my most memorable vampires and my reasons on why they shouldn’t be forgotten.
One last thing, there will be no high school twinkling vampires in my list. Vampires are deadly creatures and some ooze sex appeal while others are plain scary as Hell. Also you won’t find any Dracula’s here as they deserve to be in a post of their own.
You’ll Enjoy Mr Barlow and He Will Enjoy You
How bloody terrifying is this vampire from Salem’s Lot (1979)?
I remember this being on the TV when I was young in two parts. After watching the first part with my mum and younger sisters, I cried my eyes out as none of them would let me get in their bed with them. Yes I know what you’re thinking, how old was I at the time? I must have been about 11 or 12yrs old. The funny thing is, I begged and promised that the following night that I would be OK watching it, but I did it again. I couldn’t help it!
Everything about Mr Barlow was purely terrifying and that’s what vampires should be.
‘One thing about living in Santa Carla I never could stomach…all the damn vampires’
If you haven’t seen Lost Boys (1987), you should do as it is a cult classic and a favourite vampire flick of many.
Keifer Sutherland plays David, a leader of a local gang of vampires who hide out in a sunken hotel during the day and rise to terrorise the people of Santa Carla at night.
Although not a vampire oozing sex appeal, he is very good looking and his character is very strong. He’s not a vampire you would like to come face to face with.
Did you know that in the 2004 mini series of Salem’s Lot starring Rob Lowe that Keifer’s dad, Donald Sutherland played James Mason’s role of Mr Straker? Although it was a good performance, it was no where near as good as the original Salem’s Lot and they shouldn’t have bothered doing a remake. I mean, Rutger Hauer played Mr Barlow and he wasn’t even scary looking.
Scary in Real Life Let Alone As A Vamp!
Grace Jones played Katrina in the 1986 movie Vamp.
This movie is a comedy, but at the age of 15 when it was released, I wasn’t laughing at the introduction of Katrina. There’s just something about this woman that not necessarily terrifies me, but scares me. In fact, Grace Jones strip tease is totally mesmerising and can’t be forgotten.
More vampires to come including those that make you drool, but who are your most memorable vampires?
Suck
The other night, Luke asked me if I would like to watch a vampire movie titled Suck starring Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop. I instantly thought that this movie must suck as I’ve never heard anything about it and not even a mention of it on Twitter. I settled down with the intention of falling asleep half way through it as I was extremely tired.
This film didn’t suck!
I wouldn’t say that I’m crazy about it, but if you like your vampire movies, this is definitely one to check out.
It’s a rock ‘n’ roll vampire spoof about a band called The Winners who don’t seem to be going anywhere. Even their manager is bailing out on them. The lead singer is constantly haunted by Alice Cooper who in my opinion is a very good actor.
One night while playing in a bar, the bass guitarist played by Jessica Pare meets a mysterious vampire and ends up being turned into a very sexy vampire and instantly the band are getting noticed. Fame beckons as they continue their road journey, all the time being pursued by Eddie Van Helsig played by Malcolm McDowell.
It’s an enjoyable film to watch and the vampire makeup gets a big thumbs up from me. If you like the vampires from the original Salem’s Lot, you will like these and you will laugh at some of the situations the band find themselves in. Their is one scene where the DJ interviewing the band ‘Rock’n Roger’ played by Henry Rollins shouldn’t be missed.
This film shouldn’t be missed and I agree with Rolling Stone in that it will more than likely become a cult classic.
‘Suck has the potential to become a cult classic’ Rolling Stone
For more information about Suck, please visit the movies official website.
Oh I forgot to mention, wait till you see Moby’s appearance. That’s a shocker!
Why Vampire?
This article is in response to the wonderful article written by the talented @Rubytombstone who tells us why she likes ZOMBIES so much.
After reading @Rubytombstone’s replies, she almost had me becoming a fan of zombies, but alas, vampires do it for me.
Therefore prior to reading my article below, please take the time to read ‘Why Zombie?’ and feel free to comment.
Vampires Always Win
Errr no they don’t always win, but the good vampires do keep coming back with action that BITES.
Take for example Hammer Horror’s Dracula. How many times did he return from the grave to seduce all those beautiful buxom women with his tantalising gaze? How many times was he staked?
Lestat came back from the dead in ‘Interview with the Vampire’. Damn he was one sexy vampire!
What will the zombie race do when there are no human survivors left?
Zombies will make themselves extinct once there are no more brains left to consume. They are not intelligent enough to figure out their own destruction.
Vampires Never Give Up
True, a zombie never gives up as it just keeps on stumbling forward with its chin hanging near the deck and drooling like a teething baby. Very charismatic, NOT!
Vampires don’t give up either. They require the life-force of humanity to survive and note that I don’t mention blood to survive. Vampires don’t rely on just one thing to survive like a zombie does.
Vampires Are Everywhere
All over the world vampires are stalking their prey whilst being intelligent enough to blend in with society. You can’t tell if someone is a vampire or not, but you sure can tell when a foul mouthed rotting corpse is staggering in your direction.
Vampires are intelligent enough to know that there is no future for survival in turning every human into a vampire. Vampires are predatory creatures and like to be selective with their prey.
Vampires Are Individuals
Vampires are most definitely individuals just like the human race. Zombies look different, but their personalities are the same.
Vampires Are Inherently Funny
Zombies win hands down due to their hilarious antics. I love watching a mass zombie shuffle prior to some walking into a situation where they ultimately die in a stupid way.
If I want a laugh, I’ll watch a zombie movie. If I want to be terrified or mesmerised, I’ll watch a vampire movie.
Vampires Are Gruesome
Both vampires and zombies are gruesome in their own ways.
Vampires are cunning creatures and their mental torturous techniques are pretty gruesome. Vampires are responsible for haunting people and sending them crazy. Look at poor Renfield for example!
Not all vampires resemble Human Beings, take Mr Barlow for example from Salem’s Lot. I know that I’d rather face a stupid rotting zombie than face the hideous blue face of Barlow with those yellow eyes. Can you imagine that creature hissing in your face prior to slashing your throat?
I’d rather be a vampire than a zombie any day! WHAT ABOUT YOU?