Halloween night filled with fright

By: Bobby Pelphrey/Contributor

Posted: 10/25/01

"You know it's Halloween, I guess everyone is entitled to one good scare."

Sheriff Brackett, in John Carpenter's "Halloween," speaks these infamous lines, and boy, do they set the theme of this article.

Halloween is nearly upon us, and I have taken the liberty of composing my own list of horror films that should not be missed this Halloween. In compiling this list I have taken into consideration where to find these films in Richmond, and what makes them horrific.

I want to offer you a list that is not typical, but incorporates the classics and some that you probably never heard of before. I hope you heed my warning and watch these films with the lights off and the doors locked.

"The Texas Chainsaw Massacre"

This film can easily be found at any video store in Richmond. What makes this film scary? Everything! It's probably one of the most exhausting films ever made. The grainy appearance of the flick gives it a home video appearance-thus, adding to the believability of the characters' situations. Five teens go on a road trip across Texas and end up being stalked, tortured and butchered by a family of maniacs. This film has one of the most shocking death scenes ever filmed. Don't simply dismiss it!

"Suspiria"

This horror is only available at Hastings and Blockbuster. This is a lesser known horror film, but the scares are plentiful. Directed by Dario Argento, the film has one of the best horror movie soundtracks. It rivals John Carpenter's "Halloween" score. The plot, which may seem mundane, isn't - don't let the young ballerina scare you away, you'll be hooked in the first fifteen minutes of the film. Argento has a way of going into the audiences' collective nightmares and showing them what they are truly afraid of. The movie's cinematography is very dreamlike. Entertainment Weekly states that, "'Suspiria' has one the most vicious murder scenes ever filmed." I agree.

"An American Werewolf in London"

This video can be found at all video stores in Richmond. It is the only monster movie on the list. Halloween wouldn't be Halloween if a classic Hollywood monster wasn't on this list. This year I have chosen the werewolf. Director Jonathan Landis does a great job of combing aspects of horror and humor. The special effects are top notch. The movie also sports, what I think is, the coolest werewolf in cinema history.

"Rosemary's Baby"

Check this baby out at Hastings, Movie Warehouse and Blockbuster. Subtle horror at its best. This film may seem boring to a modern movie audience, but if you stick through it, you will be in for a treat. The film gets under the skin and never crawls back out. Don't expect a happy ending from this horror film.

"Amityville Horror"

You can find this flick at Video Productions and Hastings. No Halloween is complete without the traditional ghost story. Evil-pure evil - is what this film feels like. I have a hard time falling asleep after watching this film. Don't watch this one alone.

"Halloween"

Any video location in Richmond should have this classic. If you haven't seen this flick, do yourself a favor and watch it. It's like a roller coaster from hell. It grabs you and never lets go ... twisting you all around, making your insides feel icky. Many other films have tried to imitate it, but never succeed.

"The Omen"

Any video store in Richmond has this film. Like "Rosemary's Baby," this film is very subtle and very eerie. Not much has been said about this film in years, but I think that it is a perfect selection. The acting is top notch and so is the direction and script. The music is unforgettable, and so is Damien!

Dario Argento's "Demons"

Find this blood curdler at Video Productions in Richmond. A mysterious man passing out fliers for a free midnight movie, and a mask that turns its victims into bloodthirsty demons. All this together combines into a night of pure terror for the audience. This movie is pure hell to watch. I hate this film in a good way.

"The Exorcist"

Hastings and Blockbuster have the version you've probably never seen. It's been haled as one of the best horror movies of all time. William Friedkin says he wanted the audience to feel that the evil that is possessing Regan (the little girl), is everywhere. Head spins, projectile vomiting - this movie has it all. Friedkin does a scream of a job- at making it hard to go to sleep.