Throughout the month of October, Marcus Theaters has been playing classic horror movies. This event is called “Slashers Classics.” The five movies that have played in theaters are “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Friday the 13th,” “Scream” and “Halloween.”
“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” which was released in 1974, retains its raw atmosphere that made it a landmark in horror cinema history. The film follows a group of friends who become victims to a family of cannibals in Texas, with Leatherface wielding a chainsaw. The film’s tension and disturbing imagery are still effective, and the restored visuals and sound make the film that much better. Leatherface’s brutality still frightens people 50 years later.
Released in 1984, “A Nightmare on Elm Street” introduces Freddy Krueger, a killer who haunts and kills teenagers in their dreams, leading to actual deaths. “A Nightmare on Elm Street” blended supernatural terror with psychological terror. The film’s surreal dream sequences set it apart from typical slasher films. Its boundaries between dreams and reality keep people on edge, making it a timeless horror classic.
1980’s “Friday the 13th” is a seminal slasher film that helped define the genre. The film centers on a group of camp counselors who are stalked and murdered by an unknown person at Camp Crystal Lake. Its straightforward plot and gruesome kills create a sense of dread. While the acting and dialogue are pretty terrible, the film’s atmosphere and practical effects are commendable. The twist ending and introduction of the Voorhees family lore cements its place in horror history.
“Halloween” is a pioneering film released in 1978 that excels in building suspense and atmosphere. Jamie Lee Curtis’s portrayal of Laurie Strode introduced the “final girl” trope. Michael Myers is an iconic killer who mostly everyone can recognize. The film’s minimalist approach and effective use of shadows and silence make it a timeless horror masterpiece.
Released in 1996, “Scream” changed the slasher genre by following a group of teenagers targeted by a masked killer who tests their knowledge of horror movie tropes. “Scream” is a clever, self-aware horror film that balances scares with humor. The film’s funny script, memorable characters and iconic Ghostface killer make it a standout.
Overall, the best film of all five of these is difficult to pick, but my personal favorite is “Halloween.” I think Michael Myers is the most interesting killer out of all of the options, and overall, I find this film is better than the rest.
With tomorrow being Halloween, settle down in front of your screen and see which one of these classics leaves you in suspense.
