Dr. Ted Butryn's

Halloween-Related Movie Recommendations

Movies are in no particular order!
(Updating for your (dis)pleasure: Late August 2006-October 2006)

1. Last House on the Left (1972) Wes Craven's first "real" movie on a small budget gains points for realism, but its realism is probably why so many folks find it offensive. It is not fun to watch, but even Roger Ebert gave it 3.5 stars once upon a time. A bit dated now, but it will make you want to press "stop."

2. Re-animator (1985) Great film that even has a pop-medical ethics layer. a cult classic, as they say, and gory as well.

3. Suspiria (1977 ) Dario Argento's masterpiece, according to many. Incredible images, and soundtrack by Goblin, make this unavoidable viewing. Also check out Tenebrae and Profondo Rosso (Deep Red). These three are his best horrow/mystery. Not for the squeamish, or those overly concerned with linear plot, though.

4. Videodrome (1983) David Cronenberg's excellent take on videotape viewings gone wrong! James Woods is good here, as are the FX for their time.

5. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956?/197?) I've heard the original is better, but I remember being creeped out for days after seeing the 70s version as a kid

6. The Shining (1980) Here's Johnny!!!

7. Dawn of the Dead (1978) The best in the George Romero trilogy, and great commentary on consumerism. A bit campy at times, but great zombies!

8. The Hills have Eyes (1978) Another Wes Craven work...don't get stranded in the desert!!!

9. Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1990) Disturbing flick starring Michael Rooker...

10. Hellraiser/Hellraiser II: Hellbound (1987/1988) Not sure which is better...both are gruesome, and Pinhead is a movie villian to remember.

11. Rosemary's Baby (1968) this is on my other original list, but this Mia Farrow, devil-baby work is a true creepy classic!

12. The Exorcist (1973) You though I forgot this one? I think it's a bit dated, and it never scared me that much, but it does most folks.

13. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) Incredible story and cinematography here. You will never want to go on a road trip again after this. Watch it before the remake comes out!!! Not a gory movie, as the title might indicate...it's very much a psychological nightmare though.

14. The Beyond (1983) Classic, though a bit incoherent, film by Lucio Fulci, the Italian horror-master who was often compared to Romero's work. Famous for his "penetrating" scenes in both "Zombie" and "City of the Living Dead." Check any of these three out. Might be tough to find at your local corporatized video stores though.

15. Phantasm (1979) Not the scariest, but gains big points for originality...the sphere is cool! Check this one out.

16. The Evil Dead (1983) Classic Sam Raimi film...over the top, but that's what it's a classic!

17. Seven (199?) Not really horror, but it qualifies on creepiness, story, and good performances. David fincher directed this before Fight Club!

18. From Hell (2001) Not all that scary, but Johnny Depp brings a new angle to this story about the hunt for jack the Ripper.