(Photo courtesy of IMDB) “As fall approaches, read about some classic spooky movies.”
Aaron Preziosi
Connector Editor
A chill forms in the air, leaves wither and fall from trees, breeze whips through your hair and sends a shiver down your spine… Fall is upon us, meaning Halloween is not far behind. Here are some classic flicks to get you in the mood.
Beetlejuice (1988, Tim Burton): Starting off strong, Tim Burton’s 1988 film Beetlejuice is bizarre, comedic, and ripe with eerie and fantastical imagery. The story follows a ghost couple, played by Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis, struggling with a mortal family moving into their house. The couple does everything in their power to get the family to leave, but ultimately have to turn to a “bio-exorcist” known as Beetlejuice, played by Michael Keaton. Without a doubt, the titular character is the star of the show. Keaton brings an undeniably appealing stage presence to the character and embodies his chaotic, crass, and morbid sense of humor perfectly. The special effects are on point and utilize lots of detailed makeup, stop motion, and puppets. This gives the film a “realer” feel and contributes to the campy yet dark atmosphere. If spooky but not scary films are for you, grab some popcorn, pour yourself a drink, and sit back to watch Beetlejuice. If you enjoy it, there is even a theatrical sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, which released on September 6, 2024.
Halloween (1978, John Carpenter): John Carpenter’s 1978 film Halloween is an undeniable classic in the world of thrillers. Set on the eponymous night of Halloween in 1973, the film follows teenager Laurie Strode and her friends through the town of Haddonfield, Illinois as they attempt to escape and survive one of the most iconic film slashers of all time: Michael Myers. Myers’ presence is one that is felt throughout the entire film. He is slow and stalks his prey, then cuts the tension (quite literally!) as he picks off each character one by one. There is a very raw, palpable fear present in each scene featuring Myers, elevated masterfully by the score; camera work; and acting both from Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode, as well as Nick Castle as Michael Myers. If slow, tense thrillers are your type, turn out the lights and get scared with Halloween.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974, Tobe Hooper): The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is undeniably one of the most influential horror films ever made. It is extremely gory, intense and chilling. At this point, it’s a classic horror story: Five teenagers are on a road trip when their car breaks down. With nowhere to go, they explore an abandoned house in hopes that they might find some gas. Unfortunately, the only thing they find is gratuitous and disturbing violence as they are hunted by a deranged family of cannibals. The film is unapologetically gross and commits to its level of grossness with the design of the cannibal family, the sets and props, as well as the very ideas it expresses and the trends it involuntarily set for the slasher genre. The sequel is fantastic as well and follows a similar formula, although it is a bit more satirical and campier. Both films are ridiculous in different ways, though neither of them shy away from it. If you want a gory, intense slasher, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is for you. If you want something a bit lighter, try the sequel.
