Farewell, Carmilla

[filkertom]

Sadness. Actress and writer Ingrid Pitt has passed away at the age of 73. She was an astonishingly beautiful woman who did a fair amount of work in films, television, and the theater, but is likely best known for her work in Hammer horror films in the 1960s and 70s, especially Vampire Lovers, Countess Dracula, and The House That Dripped Blood.

What's a good horror film we should see? I finally got around to Zombieland, and it's great -- almost more of a Road Buddy movie than a zombie flick, but the brain-eaters definitely have their moments.

Comments

[wingus.livejournal.com]

Not a film, but the Walking Dead series is spectacular so far.

[saganth.livejournal.com]

I don't do horror much, but films like 'The Breed', 'Soulkeeper' and 'Innocent Blood' are fun without being overly gory.

[fair-witness.livejournal.com]

I think I'll rewatch The Wicker Man in her honor.

(Do not speak to me of the Nicholas Cage version.)

[saganth.livejournal.com]

Just out of curiosity, how gory or scary are the old Hammer films anyway? I imagine a lot less was shown back then than, say, in the slasher horror films of the 80s? Are the Hammer films less graphic for those squeamish, like me, who find the likes of Freddy and Jason too much to take?

[smallship1.livejournal.com]

You are right. The gore level was quite advanced for the 50s and 60s (as the censors' horrified comments, quoted in various books, attest), but by current standards it's fairly tame. Which happens to be the way I like it. I don't watch horror films to be scared anyway. :)

A good horror film? Blood On Satan's Claw. Lots of fine British actors doing their stuff, eerie music and a diabolical plot (or three). What more could you wish for?

[valarltd.livejournal.com]

There's a fair bit of blood, but it's clearly fake. (much too red) A lot of bosomy virgins in filmy nightdresses (pure porn when you're 15). You see the blood coming, so it's never shocking, and it is usually shed with some purpose.

Good Horror:
The Wicker Man
Gothic
Call of Cthulhu (filmed in silent movie style)

[unclelumpy.livejournal.com]

John Carpenter's The Thing.

Thoughts?

They're making a prequel, y'know.

[rickvs.livejournal.com]

_Something Wicked This Way Comes_
_Jacob's Ladder_
_Night of the Creeps_

[saganth.livejournal.com]

Reminds me, I like John Carpenter's "They Live" too, but that's not exactly horror.

[unclelumpy.livejournal.com]

The overall concept, if taken at face value, could be considered horrific.

[msgeek.livejournal.com]

I met Ingrid Pitt in Encino at the Gelsons back in the '70s. I remembered her from her performance as Elizabeth Bathory in "Countess Dracula." Very sweet woman. Sad to see her go, but she lived a good long life.

If you haven't seen Evil Dead II: Dead By Dawn, you haven't lived. Laugh, be scared, get grossed out, laugh some more. And laugh even more. And enjoy Bruce Campbell in the role that made him a LIVING GAWD.

[smparadox.livejournal.com]

I just watched "The Ruins" recently (it was in a bunch of movies a co-worker gave my wife) and it was pretty good. Not what I expected it to be. Zombieland was in the same collection - and I thought it was awesome. And I am catching up on Walking Dead as I type. (ch131.com is an awesome website!) I caught the premiere, but missed every episode since then, but then caught episode 3 online yesterday and 4 today. Now if I could just find episode two...

[drzarron.livejournal.com]

"Let The Right One In" is a wonderful take on vampires, subtle and well done. I hear the US remake "Let Me In" is also good.

Been showing the Spawn all the classic Hammer films. Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing are beyond amazing.

[annearchy.livejournal.com]

No matter who tries to drag you there, do NOT see SKYLINE. That's $19 and 92 minutes of my life I'll never get back. Not a horror movie per se, but pretty horrible in its own right.