I re-watched The Others today. You know the movie, the one with Nicole Kidman, made in 2001? I just have to say I think more books and movies should be just like this--creepy and atmospheric without being overtly gory or graphic. The horror comes from the fear of the characters themselves, along with the dark, old house, the fog, and the mystery of why they're being haunted, instead of overpowering noises and special affects. I'll call it subtle horror, just enough to make you jump without making you feel like you've watched the Exorcist or the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Dark and delicious without being crass.So let's get crackin'! Write these stories, convince Hollywood to do the same. I don't want evil horror without any aesthetics. I want creep my guts out but creative, artful, gorgeous, artistic. I've read the Japanese film industry is known to write the subtle horror script well--anyone know where I should start? And what subtle horror books have you read? I've read a few but want to hear what I've missed.
That kind of horror I might be able to read. Maybe. I still haven't convinced myself I'm ready to read Dan Wells' I am Not a Serial Killer.
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree! I think Grimm did that very well in those couple of episodes too. Let me know what you find out about the Japanese horror...good idea. I started Fullmetal Alchemist and it was dark in a really cool way, but haven't watched a lot of it yet.
ReplyDeleteKate, read it!! It's totally up my alley!! My book club kind of hated it though...
ReplyDeleteCam, totally agree about Grimm. The pilot and the rat episodes are the best so far. Haven't heard of Fullmetal Alchemist... will check it out!
You could try Dark Water (the Japanese original and the American remake), if you want to dip your toes into the Japanese horror genre. And of course there's always the Ring and the Grudge too. Sometimes the Japanese versions are a little TOO subtle for my taste, but it's fun to compare them to the US versions.
ReplyDeleteAlso, if you want to lose sleep for a week, you should definitely watch Insidious. It's SO much scarier than the Others, but it is a great movie (and not gory).
Wow, Julie, look at you and all your horror prowess. I will have to look into all of these. I trust your tastes, so thanks for the suggestions!!
ReplyDeleteOh, and PS, as far as books go, I'd recommend The Turn of the Screw, since it's a classic. If Henry James is killing you, the recent adaptation with Jodhi May (and Colin Firth--briefly) is a good one. Also, We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson is an excellent read. One of my friends aptly described it as a ghost story in reverse.
ReplyDeleteOkay, now THAT is all of my recommendations. :D
Julie, once again you prove useful and a true literary snob. You are the best!!
ReplyDeleteI recently rewatched this too! I couldn't remember it all (saw it as a kid with my mother--I was ten) Half way through it all flooded back and I had to bite my tongue since my boyfriend never saw it. Still, knowing what was going to happen, it was great seeing how each little thing that happen would all make sense at the end.
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