Shriek Week
Owing to the fact that it’s Hallowe’en on Friday, Channel Four are having a “Shriek Week” and are showing some great films. As I’m away for most of the week, here are my recommendations for you.
The Wicker Man C4, Today, 01:05
Christopher Lee is marvellous in this creepy film about the inhabitants of the remote Scottish island of Summerisle. A young Edward Woodward is the uptight Christian policeman sent to the island to investigate the disappearance of a young girl and is shocked and outraged when he encounters the strange customs and habits of the locals. Absolutely fantastic.
Ringu C4 Thursday, 00:20
The Japanese adaptation of the novel by Koji Suzuki about a video tape that causes all the people who watch it to die seven days later. Remade recently into The Ring with Naomi Watts.
The Hitcher C4, Friday, 00:45
Classic cat and mouse thriller with Rutger Hauer and C. Thomas Howell. This film pulls no punches and is genuinely creepy. May have dated a bit but still can be quite shocking.
The Exorcist C4, Saturday, 22:00
Unavailable on video for over a decade after it’s release, this is still an intensely scary film. Unfortunately most people who have been raised on a diet of Freddy Kreuger, Michael Myers and the Evil Dead find the effects a let down but this still stands as one of the best horror films ever. Also the only horror film to ever win an Oscar for Best Screenplay. (to the best of my knowledge!)
Peeping Tom C4, Saturday, 00:20
Bizarre psychological thriller about a serial killer who films the dying expressions of the women he murders. The film was so controversial on its release in 1960 that the director more or less never worked again. Powerful and shocking. (Trivia fans: Clock DVA took samples from this film for their track “The Act”)
If you want something that’s not scary, then I can recommend the following action film:
Point Blank BBC1, Tuesday, 23:45
This is the original 1967 version of the film that was remade as Payback with Mel Gibson a couple of years ago. A deliciously brutal film about one man’s quest for revenge. Starkly directed by John Boorman with Lee Marvin in the lead role showing what a pussycat Gibson really was.
Coming soon: Dragon’s Top 10 list of scary films to watch on Hallowe’en!
The Wicker Man. Top Film!
Comment by briggers — October 27, 2003 @ 3:14 pm
Of those I have only seen the Exorcist.
I still think Schindlers List is the best horror film I ever saw.
Closely followed by The Omen.
Comment by Jazz — October 27, 2003 @ 6:17 pm
I can’t watch horrors. No. I saw The Omen Jazz, gave me nightmares for about 5 years! (and I was about 24 when I watched it!)
Comment by pinky — October 27, 2003 @ 6:25 pm
Seen them all - still not recovered from a video viewing of The Exorcist all of 21 years ago. Good on C4 for a good mix. Shame there’s no Hitcwpock, his horrors always seemed more plausible but for a heart stopper you can’t beat that scene in Jaws when the head rolls out of the hole in the boat. Totally agree on Point Blank and there’s also no soppy Hollywood ending.
Comment by Huw — October 27, 2003 @ 9:48 pm
jazz. u have no class. the wicker man is the only show in town here.
Comment by brig — October 27, 2003 @ 10:54 pm
Pinky - If I said I’m suprised about you and horror, it would sound like I knew you. I don’t. But I’m still surprised. (errr…. what???)
Jazz - The Omen - good film. Approve of Schindler’s List too but don’t class it as horror because it’s just too terrifying.
Comment by Tom — October 28, 2003 @ 12:02 am
Piss off Briggs - I have loads of class - working class to the bone.
Comment by Jazz — October 28, 2003 @ 6:26 pm
prove it then jazz and get The Wicker Man out on video (u probably have dvd!)… go on. i dare ya!
….. scared?
Comment by brig — October 28, 2003 @ 7:40 pm
All in good time, all in good time briggs
Only just got a DVD in August - we’re not a gadget family and we don’t have Sky or satellite or cable or stuff either.
We read.
Comment by Jazz — October 29, 2003 @ 10:35 pm