As we close in on October 31, AiPT! will be reviewing and recommending various pieces of underappreciated scary media-books, comics, movies, and television-to help keep you terrified and entertained all the way up to Halloween.
I love dressing up for Halloween. I guess its because I am normally a pretty quiet guy who doesn’t really draw attention to himself. Or I really like to wear wigs. This year, I have not been able to come up with a costume. I figured I would take some time tonight to come up with something. Unfortunately, I still don’t have any ideas, but some other Halloween thoughts crossed my mind.
1. The Witch is criminally underrated
Released in early 2015, The Witch is a horror film that is ironically about a witch. Filled with religious overtones, strong acting, and an mesmerizing story, the movie’s methodical pace has kept it from being more well regarded among mainstream audiences. It is sad to say, but if a movie is marketed as a horror flick, it needs to have plenty of jump scares, lots of gore, while the plot can be kept bare bones. The Witch does none of these things and is instead an intense character study with heady themes. It may be a cerebral horror movie, but that does not mean it isn’t scary. Live life deliciously and watch this New England Folktale.
2. The jump scare in Mulholland Drive is one of the best in movie history
David Lynch is a visionary artist and Mulholland Drive is one of his best works in an impressive portfolio that includes Eraserhead, Wild at Heart, and Twin Peaks. Along with being able to make a strong case for being Lynch’s best movie, Mulholland Drive can easily lay claim to the best jump scare in a Lynch film. The scene in question demonstrates the genius of the director by going against every convention that is supposedly necessary for an effective jump scare. For example, the moment happens in broad daylight in a wide open space. There are a lot of reasons to watch Mulholland Drive, but horror fans will want to check it out for this scene.
3. Pennywise is an iconic trendsetter who deserves your respect
I do not remember scary clown costumes being popular until the It miniseries was released in 1990. I do not think it is too far of a stretch to say that Pennywise the Dancing Clown is responsible for this. In the Pennywise persona, It is as close to a perfect monster as there can be. Playing off the natural fear of clowns that some have, the character is effortlessly frightening even before he shows the full extent of his evil powers. Along with bringing Pennywise back into the public eye, the 2017 motion picture has made him scary enough to instill respect.
My five year old godson is going through that phase many kids go through when they think they like scary movies. Currently, he is interested in last year’s It remake. One problem: he has mentioned a few times how much he does not like Mr. Pennywise. There is a lot of ways to earn respect, and fear is just as good as any.
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