Describe a phase in life that was difficult to say goodbye to.

When DVDs were a thing, I loved horror films. Arthouse and mainstream. Retro and the most recent. From The Hills Have Eyes to Wrong Turn 2. Dystopian flicks like 28 Days Later. Macabre Eastern Europe in Hostel. Even flops like Turistas. I’ve seen a few of the Saw offerings. ‘The key is in her stomach’.

Jordan Peele has directed keepers. The brain harvesting scene in Get Out. The Us mirror madness. Reminded me of The Shining with Jack Nicholson. Catherine Breillat is no horror guru. Her films push boundaries. So do David Cronenberg’s. I’ve seen clips of the original Exorcist but haven’t watched the full version. My friend William loved to pop it in his dvd player.

Heart of starkness

This week’s title is borrowed from Marlon Brando’s line in Apocalypse Now. Interestingly, the movie was adapted from Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. Like me, English was Conrad’s second language. As Colonel Kurtz, ‘the apotheosis of evil’, Brando’s dying words were ‘The horror…the horror’.

The movie was shot in the Philippines, where I grew up. Though not distinctly horror, the carabao/buffalo killing scene had the crew in hot water. Animal cruelty, they were told. The film is notable for being in production a record time. At the time, it was the most expensive feature film ever. Another piece of trivia: actor Lawrence Fishburne was underage when he ventured in the Philippine jungles. The equatorial weather and long days made him grow up fast. Presently, he doesn’t have to lie about his age.

I saw Halloween with a friend at the movies. Another instalment in the franchise, with Jamie Lee Curtis returning. I liked it. Not particularly frightening but the score added thrills. The characters were decent. Certified Fresh on Rotten. Worth the ticket cost.

Streaming

These days, I see horror movies online. On Amazon Prime, I surveyed Heretic with Hugh Grant. A pair of Mormon missionaries foray into Hugh’s cave…only to enter into a nightmare. During New Year’s, I caught 28 Years Later, the newest sequel. Alex Garland returns as writer while Danny Boyle directs. They’ve got something in the tank after 3 instalments. The Fallout series, based on the popular video game, could be included in the genre. However, I find it an acquired taste. Not binge-worthy.

Apart from this, I’ve viewed The Ritual and The Watchers. Both had favourable endings. In classic horror style, the cast is diminished until one or two remain. They venture to where their companions have failed. Use their smarts and courage to soldier on.

On Netflix, I saw Midsommar, a Swedish project. A cult deceives a visitor to get a member preggers. They use and manipulate him into believing that she’s in love. When all they want is his Aryan sperm bank. The axe wielding scene, where a limb gets cut off, was bonkers. A well made feature with romance, body parts, and an eerie feel.

I borrowed Suspiria from the library. I wanted to see it in the cinema, but my movie buddy wasn’t up for it. It had Tilda Swinton and Dakota Johnson. Elements of the supernatural, too. Last I checked, it sported a fresh Rotten rating.

Why go for horror?

Perhaps I empathise with the protagonist. They show tremendous resolve and gumption to outwit and outmanoeuvre the bad guys. Often, to be free, they overcome massive odds and flying bodies. They must display great instincts, when to act, and stay grounded. The classroom or workplace can only get you so far.

Perhaps I like the visuals. Seeing heaps of blood and gore is not an everyday occurrence. Blink and you’ll miss it. Severed limbs and dreadful faces reveal masters at work. The matador’s weapon choices intrigue me. A good horror filmmaker must be clever and inventive. If you recycle old crap, critics and audiences flock away. Novelty in horror is the best policy. Think A Quiet Place or Bird Box. These pictures employed fresh ideas and the reception have been overwhelmingly positive. They ushered in a beginning, with remakes and sequels.

The requisite Good Samaritans are likewise bullish. They are villagers, relatives, family friends, even academics or other professionals. Their role is helping the damsel in distress. Their kindness and convenient presence are shots in the arm. They make the bankrupt and disillusioned believe again. They ensure the wounded fights back. They’re the silver lining, the last light when hope is faint. In many respects, they’re the story’s saving grace.

Not for the faint hearted

I don’t shy from the controversial. I haven’t subscribed to Shudder, even with the odd promotion. It’s a must have subscription for all abject fanatics. Neither am I treed to English productions. I’ve seen Japanese, Serbian, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepalese, Pakistani, Brazilian, Palestinian, and Pinoy shiverers.

Viewing experiences vary. Some are godawful and beyond help. So bad that I demanded a refund from the DVD place. Artistically challenged copycats. Not all, but some. Yawn.

As audience members, having high standards is critical. We can’t pick a movie solely because of the popular helmer or lead. Or since it’s a blockbuster. In time, the title count adds up. With the law of averages, we’ll encounter duds. Still, we shouldn’t settle. Don’t be fooled. Not at the cinema, but in life, too. Having a high IQ doesn’t decency make. Owning a ton of developments or cineplexes means nothing if you’ve sold your soul.

Fly another day

That’s why I shun the cinemas these days. They aren’t in line with the times. They’re from the Middle Ages when they’re worth billions. Aussies worry about bread, fresh milk, and butter. Not gawking at oversized idiot boxes in the dark. If half price chocolates hooks no one, then what about those overpriced movie sessions?

Horror movies are an ear into life. You need a capable director. A dedicated crew. Decent budget. Target audience. Enough money for promotion costs and postproduction. Without these elements, you might as well grow a beard and become Tarzan. Revert to the Stone Age. Focus on the good, like movie heroes who survive the cold, endless night.