Silent Night, Bloody Night Review - 1974

Silent Night, Bloody Night - 1974

Directed by Theodore Gershuny - MPAA Rating: Restricted

a film review by DAW

[Rating: 4/5]

In the winter of 1950, days before Christmas, the illusive Mr. Wilfred Butler burns to death outside of his house.  After years of the city trying to buy the massive property, Butler's grandson Jeffrey finally decides to sell the place.  A lawyer comes down to seal the deal, but he notices that the mayor and other prominent towns people are acting very strange.  Even though the town’s people object, the lawyer and his wife want to stay in the old house instead of renting a motel.  Soon the lights are low and there is passion in the air. Their romantic night is suddenly disruptedby an AX TO THE CROTCH! 

It is made very clear that there is something strange going on at the old Butler house.  When Jeffery shows up at the house of the mayor's daughter (Diane), it is soon made clear that either he is connected to the murders or their is a maniac on the lose. When they find out that a mental patient has escaped from a local asylum, he might just be the answer they are looking for.  After some strange and eerie phone calls, Diane finds that appearances can be deceiving and that people's histories can come back to haunt them!

This is a great film which is often overlooked by the casual viewer.  It has an older feel to it but a solid story, good amount of gore, and a great twist at the end.  The atmosphere of the film is creepy, and the look of the film stock adds a wonderful little touch of grime, which improves the viewing experience.

The title is obviously a nod to the Christmas song "Silent Night"and the version of the song that is used in this film is veryhaunting.  Sometimes it is in the background, and other times the characters are humming or singing the tune.  This reviewer would put this in with other Christmas slashers, such as Black Christmas and Don't Open 'Till Christmas.  The main difference being that the Christmas holiday is very downplayed in this film.

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  written by DAW for openfilmden.com and openflimden.blogspot.com

The Sadist Review - 1963

The Sadist - 1963

Directed by James Landin - MPAA Rating: Unrated

a film review by DAW

[Rating: 4/5]

“The Sadist” is a horror film staring Arch Hall Jr. as the psychopathic spree killer, Charles A. Tibbs.  Released in 1963, “The Sadist” tells the story of a group of high school teachers who are held captive by a psychopathic killer and his girlfriend.  The teachers set out on a road trip to see a baseball game in a different state but have car trouble along the way and need to stop on the side of the road.  After diagnosing the broken part and finding a near by junk yard, the trio begin to feel that something is not right.  Soon they are confronted by Charles Tibbs, his girlfriend, and his hand gun.  Brash, unpredictable, and overtly violent, Tibbs makes these three people learn that he now controls their lives, and will be the ultimate judge and jury determining whether they live or die.

 “The Sadist” is a fascinating and horrifying experience in thesame vein as films like “Young and Dangerous”, “Compulsion”, and “Natural Born Killers”.  In this reviewer’s opinion, the reason this film is a contender to the above mentioned is because of the 1960s film look, and the lack of modern day special effects and musical score.  Normally this would make a film appear cheap or outdated but the lack of the bells and whistles creates a realistic and disturbing environment.  Whenviewing the film, one can really feel the fear and anxiety of being stuck in a situation similar to the characters on the screen.  It is intriguing to watch and the events stay with you well after the film has ended. 

An interesting fact about this film is that it was inspired by a mass
murderer named Charles Starkweather.  Starkweather was a man who went on a killing spree road trip with his girlfriend which resulted in the deaths of eleven people and his eventual capture and execution by electric chair.  The connections between the movie and the true events make the film even more eerie, as one can feel as if they are getting a glimpse into a scenario from the actual crime spree (even though this specific story is not from the true events).  The film even attempted to make the main antagonist appear similar to the actual killer (see picture).  This film is highly recommended!  Check this out today at the Open Film Den!

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                     written by DAW for openfilmden.com and openflimden.blogspot.com

Deep Red Review - 1975

Deep Red - 1975
Directed by Dario Argento - MPAA Rating: Restricted

Directed by the renowned Dario Argento, 1975’s Deep Red is an enthralling murder mystery/horror film, referred to as a “giallo” in Argento’s native Italy.  Protagonist Marcus Daly, a music teacher, witnesses the murder of a psychic in her apartment and is compelled to find the killer.  The film follows him in his search as the body count rises.  As with much of Argento’s work, creative and at times beautiful imagery can be observed throughout the film.  This often intentionally clashes with the brutal, often drawn out violence and dark nature of the film.  These elements along with an often eerie musical score preformed by Italian progressive rock legend “Goblin “(their first in a series of collaborations with Argento), make for an engaging visual and auditory experience.  Though not for the faint at heart, this critically acclaimed film comes with a strong recommendation, as films of this quality don’t come along very often.

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written by RJA for openfilmden.com and openflimden.blogspot.com

Western Film #7: Tombstone Canyon Review - 1932

Film #7:  Tombstone Canyon Review - 1932

 Rated: Unrated   

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Filmed in 1932, Tombstone Canyon is a unique and intriguing horror western film starring Ken Maynard as the cowboy “Ken”.  Ken and his horse, Tarzan, make the frightening discovery that a masked killer is traveling through the west and murdering with his piercing, banshee shriek!  Ken soon finds himself in hot water when a notorious gang tries to rough him up.  Out of nowhere, a beautiful woman comes to his rescue and joins him on his journey.  Soon they find themselves connected to the phantom killer in such a way that you will need to see it to believe it!  A golden gem from the 1930s, this western is a unique look at the horror subgenre.  Although tame by today’s standards, this film delivers some chilling moments and intriguing plot twists!

created by DAW for openfilmden.com and openflimden.blogspot.com