Brett Banter

The New York Times posted an Arts article today about the barrage of horror films opening in theaters this month, and asked famous horror directors and readers to name their favorite horror film. Interestingly, people seem to gravitate towards classic 1960s and 70s horror films as both favorites and prime opportunities for remakes.

That surprised me, because when I think of classic horror films (Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Exorcist), I don’t necessarily think of them as scary; more so funny, because the special effects just aren’t convincing anymore. I guess that’s why they need to be remade. But many of those who commented stated that the scare factor may not have been the plot of the movie, so much as the age the viewer was when seeing it for the first time. In that sense, people aren’t judging horror films based on production quality; rather, the emotions come from being young and vulnerable. And the movies we watch in our youth tend to have a greater impact on us because of that vulnerability. Now it makes sense. We may not believe in monsters under the bed anymore, but we do believe in the nostalgia of childhood. Horror movies aren’t about making you think; they’re about making you feel. And whether it’s fright or nostalgia, if you have that feeling, the consensus is the movie’s a good one.

So what are your favorite horror movies? New releases or childhood memories?