Horror in Retrospect

Horror is a genre both loved and loathed, celebrated and misunderstood. Some consider it too graphic or terrifying to even consider watching a film. Others revel in its glory and its bold exploration of the darker side of our existence. Whether it be monsters, psychopaths, animals and nature or just plain old humans doing what no one likes to think about, the horror genre is a firm staple in film culture today.

So it is with great excitement that I want to share two excellent horror events taking place over the coming months.


The first is titled "Be Afraid: Fear in North American Cinema". This is a program put together by GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) and is screening at their cinematheque throughout March. They have a terrifying collection of some of the best horror cinema from the postwar period onwards, including slasher, splatter, science fiction, thriller and apocalyptic diaster films. This collection maps 50 years of fear on the screen and can serve as both recollection and/or education for the horror fan.

There are too many films to list, but some of the highlights include:

Psycho (1960)
Based on the book by Robert Bloch
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
Featuring one of the most referenced, talked about and famous scenes of Janet Leigh in the shower.
Take a thrilling trip to Bates Motel if you haven't already been.

The Exorcist (1973)
Based on the novel by William Peter Blatty
Directed by William Friedkin
This is one heck of a scary movie! The R rating is definitely there for a reason. But don't be put off, this is a terrific film, with more to offer than just cheap thrills.

Carrie (1976)
Based on the Stephen King novel
Directed by Brian De Palma
This is King's first book to be brought to the screen and it certainly sets the bar high. Whatever you do, don't upset Carrie.


The Shining (1980)
Based on another novel by Stephen King
Directed by Stanley Kubrick
Jack Nicholson shows just how crazy you can get cooped up in a hotel with just your family for company.

Blue Velvet (1986)
Written and Directed by David Lynch
Made pre-Twin Peaks, the narrative of this film is more easily followed than some of his later work. Both subtle and extreme, Blue Velvet is a wild journey to say the least. Whether you're a horror fan or not, this is just a great film for so many reasons.

Some of the other films I'm excited to see include: The Last House on the Left, Jaws, A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Brood, Rosemary's Baby, The Evil Dead & I Am Legend. For a full list of films go to the Goma cinematheque program. Tickets are $8/$6 or Take 5 Passes are available $35/$25. I believe a bar will be open for the screenings also.

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The second horror event to take place on the big screen is thanks to The Globe, who have organised an Italian Horror Movie Marathon on Saturday 18th April.

On this day in April, they will be showcasing vintage cult classics from Italian directors Dario Argento & Mario Bava.

The sessions start at 12:30pm with Hatchet for the Honeymoon and run through until 9:30pm with Deep Red.

I must admit that I haven't seen any of these films, which makes it all the more exciting to go along and see what I've been missing out on. So rather than copy and paste a synopsis for each film, check out the Globe Coming Events page for full details (scroll down about 3/4 of the way to see these films).

The screenings will be held at the Metro Arts Studio, 109 Edward Street, Brisbane

Tickets are $10 for one film/$13 for two/$16 for three/$22 for a day pass
(This is an 18+ event)

See you there...