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That still by the way is from Village of the Damned (1960). I've baby sat for kids like that. Maybe that's why I write horror? Could be! Those were the best creepy kids on film I've ever seen.
On to dolls! Dolls have always done it for me. I mentioned that in a recent post about Annabelle, the doll from The Conjuring.
Remember this cutie from Night Gallery? This doll did it for me. Every scare button I had (and I had a lot) was pushed when I saw her.
If I remember correctly, the doll was sent to someone with a curse attached. There were scenes where the doll was placed in one spot and then appeared in another! That did it. I knew I'd remember this bloody doll forever! I mean look at this damned thing! Imagine waking up during the night and finding it next to you! ARGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!! I have stories based on this fear and yes, I am still afraid!
Along with dolls I'd include ventriloquist dummies. Wow, they have been used to great effect in films like Dead Silence (2007). I love that film. It has everything.
Dead Silence rocked my boat. The urban myth device, daring us to say something three times was used to great effect! Here goes: Mary Shaw, Mary Shaw...oops not going to say it! And remember the beginning? The damned thing arrives and the wife thinks it's a present! HELP!
There were superb films about 'scary doll ventriloquist dummies like Magic (1978), with Anthony Hopkins and Dead of Night (1945).
Reviews coming! As I'm writing this post, I'm remembering these films. Wow. Scary memory lane and everything.
Freddy Kruger Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) is the ultimate bogeyman. That's not to say that there haven't been others that were good, but Freddy is the best on-screen bogeymen.
Having been a child killer, he is probably the most worthwhile villain in horror film because he represents an all-too real menace. The ultimate monster among us.
Ghosts? How about The Woman in Black? (1989) and (2012). First of all it is based on the superb novel by Susan Hill (one of my icons)--if you haven't read it, please do!
The photo on the left is from the original (1989) film. A revengeful ghost, how scary is that? Hate never dies. I have that as a line in one of my books--and I think it's true. Relentless hatred doesn't die and if it leaves this world and comes back, how do we protect ourselves, answer: we don't!
From 30 Days of Night (2007) No pouty vampire, he! THIS is a vampire. This guy isn't going to seduce anyone! He's a vicious monster. I bet no one has the hots for him, right? Scary!
You know there is supposed to be a huge cat on Bodmin Moor! Sheep have been killed and the legend persists. Could it be based on fact? If it is, how do we know what's skulking around on other moors or anywhere in fact?!
28 Days Later (2002) A very well-made, scary zombie film. Sure, there are classics as well, but this is a fave.
Writers are influenced by things we see and fiction we read. I'm no different. So here's a suggestion:
Give my House of Horrors a read through some time, why don't you?!
Carole, I have to say that anything possessed, children, dolls, dummies, bunny rabbits all push my scare button. Especially, when the source of the possession is religious in nature. Cursed objects or people, would be next on my list of scary. Evil vampires are often cursed individuals, so they make my list as do revengeful ghosts. I loved American Werewolf in London, but felt sorry for the creature despite the fact he was quickly building up a retinue of dead people who couldn't move on after he killed them. The group I find I want to laugh at is zombies. Especially the rotting, shuffling, brain-eating kind. Eew. Disgusting, maybe, but not scary, though I do tend to avoid them since the concept doesn't appeal to me on any level. I believe they are cursed, similarly to werewolves, by a bite, but a werewolf, though an abomination of nature, can have a certain elegance to it. I have never seen an elegant zombie. In fact, I'd say the term itself is an oxymoron. Great article. Love scary things.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your entire comment!
ReplyDeleteAs for zombies, couldn't agree more. There are no elegant zombies, how can they be. I think the only quality zombie fiction that was ever written was Frankenstein. I mean, he's got to qualify, right? What a comment! You covered everything, thanks so much for replying! I l am always looking for the ultimate scare. it's the kid in us, I think. thank you again.