Films That Changed the Horror Genre Forever
Horror is a unique genre that captivates audiences worldwide. The thrill of fear brings severe excitement, giving filmmakers significant creative freedom. However, films within this genre often influence one another. Different eras of horror repeatedly exhibit shared elements in style and theme, creating a rich interconnectedness. This is prepared by SSP.
The Invisible Man (1933) – Box Office Leader
James Whale directed The Invisible Man, establishing the prototypical Universal monster movie. Dracula serves as a notable origin point for cinematic universes, yet it lacks in areas. Its moody black-and-white gothic drama features stunning photography and has Bela Lugosi's iconic portrayal. Unfortunately, significant downtime and an insufficient presence of Lugosi limit its impact. Likewise, Frankenstein faces similar critiques despite being a stronger film.
The Invisible Man stands out significantly. Utilizing moments of cheesiness absent in Dracula or Frankenstein, it excels in engagement. Claude Raines masterfully performs as Dr. Jack Griffin, creating a humorous and utterly mad portrayal of a scientist descending into chaos and undertaking bizarre crimes.
This film set a template for two decades of horror films, influencing productions like Warner Bros' Them or Fox's The Fly. The legacy continues with B-movies such as Roger Corman’s The Wasp Woman.
Rosemary’s Baby (1969) – Best Arthouse
Rosemary’s Baby marked a turning point in serious horror cinema. While not the first to do so, it stands as an ambitious project that taps into the 1960s countercultural shifts, using horror to reflect social realities. The film critiques societal norms and misogyny, prominently showcasing paranoia.
Starring Mia Farrow and John Cassavetes, the story follows a couple disturbed by overly friendly neighbors in their New York apartment. After an act of marital rape, Rosemary finds her life spiraling as those around her control her fate. Everyone possesses a shared motive: bringing forth the antichrist.
This film sparked a wave of serious domestic horror that converses with its societal environment. Without Rosemary’s Baby, films like The Exorcist, The Wicker Man, and The Shining might never have materialized.
Suspiria (1977) – Intense Surrealism
Italian cinema's innovative mids-20th-century techniques, exemplified through Suspiria, elevate horror's artistic form. This visually stunning film offers a phantasmagorical experience, drenched in color and unique movement. Its silly plot pairs with brutal aesthetics resulting in a singular cinematic aesthetic.
Giallo, known for its brutal visuals, influenced films like John Carpenter’s Halloween. Yet, Suspiria represented maximalism within the genre, proving horror could transcend limitations and innovative directions. Its bold experimentation encouraged subsequent films to explore deeper into horror's potential.
With Suspiria, the genre witnessed the exuberance that would inspire visionary stories in the future, like Evil Dead 2 and Fire Walk With Me.
Scream (1996) – Innovative Metafiction
Wes Craven’s Scream connects deeply with horror enthusiasts, masterfully blending wit and terror. It birthed an innovative wave through self-referential and self-aware storytelling. Understanding the stereotypical slasher norms, it doesn't merely critique them. It enhances these characteristics, showcasing extraordinary performances and clever dialogue.
Layered meta-humor enriches the narrative, anchored to a universe brimming with ardent horror fans. This premise delivers thrilling moments, fortifying the ‘rules’ of horror films amidst scenes of intense tension. Craven’s work heightens the slasher mystery, combining thrilling kills with substantive character examination.
Beyond Scream, its influence reshaped the genre; its ripples reached films like Final Destination and even American Psycho.
Get Out (2017) – Social Callout
Some may contend Get Out is too new for legacy. Yet, it profoundly defined recent horror cinema. The early 2010s hailed a struggle for horror, reduced to formulas reeking of repetition. Studios capitalized freely on a guaranteed audience without risk, often falling into lazy patterns.
Jordan Peele, inspired by Rosemary's Baby, crafted a fervent commentary on racially charged societal issues. His film serves profound truths at a fearful time, showing that horror remains a powerful medium for expression.
Observing the success of Get Out reignited intrigue within horror. Following, works emerged anew—distinguished and socially conscious films that gripped audiences. Each offering varies, providing unique refrains fitting the current film landscape. Titles like Hereditary, Midsommar, and Funny Games exhibit this vibrant tide, reclaiming horror's place in modern storytelling.
