“Regardless of the manner in which the audience is violently abducted against their will by the terrifying turn of events, the story is ultimately about family.”
Funny, but when I saw those words, “ultimately about family”, I immediately thought of “The Shinning”. Always been a fan of Stephen King’s writing. I had read the book before seeing the movie, so I knew things that were omitted, but I still enjoyed the movie.
As far as “nightmare worthy”, there are always 3 films that come to mind…1.Halloween…2.Nightmare on Elm Street I…3. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978 version).
Halloween was like quite a few 70’s horror movies, in that it had a “signature song”, that warned you the killer was coming. Plus, it was one of Jamie Lee Curtis’s roles where, she was just a wholesome, girl-next door, trying to stay alive.
Nightmare on Elm Street had a few border-line stupid scenes. But, what caught my attention was the idea, that while you slept, someone was trying to kill you in your dreams. A good reason to have insomnia!
Invasion of the Body Snatchers had 3 incantations. I prefer the 1978 version, with Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Veronica Cartwright post Penny from Lost in Space), with a small part for Leonard Nimoy (post Star Trek). The idea that the “pod people” would take you over, just gave you the chills. And “spoiler alert”…that final scene when Veronica C. approaches, pretending to be a pod person, Donald S, who makes this wailing sound, that lets you know he is one of them, and to snatch up Veronica C.
Unfortunately, now that I am older (55), very little scares me…maybe, death and taxes? The last movie I can remember, that entered my dreams, wasn’t even a Horror Movie. It was a scene from the movie “Interstellar”, with Matthew McConaughey. Their spacecraft is raised up by a huge tidal wave, then you watch as they shoot, like a sled, straight down from the top. I actually woke up in a cold sweat that night.
But, back on topic, the best movies are those that make you think. Whether they are Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror, or Drama. The “idea of a thing” is what grabs your attention, and keeps you glued to the screen.
