Stephen King is not only a master of horror, he lives and loves the genre. As part of a documentary, the author spoke about particularly frightening horror films that even disturbed him.
Exhibit A Pictures
During the Venice Film Festival, which we at FILMSTARTS are currently attending and accompanying, the world premiere of the horror documentary “Chain Reactions” took place. In view of the 50th anniversary of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”, it is actually about the terror classic by Tobe Hopper.
In the film by Alexandre O. Philippe, five different fans of the masterpiece give their own perspective on the horror film. In addition to comedian Patton Oswalt (“King Of Queens”), directors Takashi Miike (“Audition”) and Karyn Kusama (“Destroyer”) as well as film critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, horror pope Stephen King also has his say. The “IT” and “Pet Sematary” author also takes the opportunity to rave about other genre gems.
“Until the Blood Runs Free” and “Blair Witch Project” frightened Stephen King
In addition to “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” King also raves about Sam Raimi’s “The Evil Dead.” But two other horror films have left a particularly lasting impression on him. At “Blair Witch ProjectAccording to his account in the documentary, he even had to ask his son Joe to turn off the TV. He couldn’t stand the horror any longer. Another factor could have been that King was in hospital at the time after a serious accident and was pumped full of painkillers. Perhaps the drugs enhanced the film’s eerie effect.
But another film completely disturbed him even when he was sober: „Until the blood freezes“ aka “The Haunting” by Robert Wise from 1963. “This movie scared the living shit out of me“ the successful horror author states flowery in “Chain Reactions”. It is impossible to translate this with any similar power: “This film scared the shit out of me” seems much less spectacular.
This is “Until the blood runs cold”
The 1963 film “The Haunting” by director Robert Wise is an adaptation of the novel “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson. The film focuses on a seemingly cursed mansion in which paranormal phenomena are said to occur.
“Until the Blood Runs Freeze” on Amazon Prime Video*
The film is best known because director Wise is a master at using subtle hints and an oppressive atmosphere to create fear rather than relying on explicit effects. With sophisticated camera angles, innovative sound effects and masterful black and white images that create an oppressive atmosphere, it is considered to have left its mark on the horror genre. The classic remains a milestone in subtle horror even today.
“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” is similarly influential and we hope that the documentary “Chain Reactions” mentioned above, from which our article image comes, will also find its way to Germany. Because it is a successful look at a horror classic from five very different perspectives. But first we have the trailer for “Until the Blood Runs Freeze” for you below:
*The link to the Amazon offer is a so-called affiliate link. If you make a purchase via this link, we receive a commission.
