HDC Presents: 100 Years of Horror

[Straker]

I'm not even bashing Final Destination, its one of those movies I would watch if it came on TV late at night and was already half way through. Its a fun bit of teen schlock, but seriously, there is some really quality just on the 6 front runners, let alone some of the movies that aren't being mentioned. I think Tony Todd's little cameo is kinda fun and good for a giggle, but if you actually want to critique it seriously, its a really shitty piece of writing.... They pull in a horror icon to crowbar in some exposition because the story just isn't sophisticated enough to fill the plot in any other way. The whole movie is filled with signposts and tired stereotypes.

[metternich1815]

Originally Posted by Giganticface

Completely agree. Unique concept but formulaic plot. Bad acting. Stereotypical characters. Not in the same league as the others in consideration.

Also, if we don't have at least one film from the New French Extremists in our list, at least as Honorable Mentions, I will have lost all faith... IMO it's an indication that personal taste is trumping the choosing of noteworthy happenings of the decade.

Inside
Martyrs
Haute Tension
Frontiers
Trouble Every Day
Ils
In My Skin
Irreversible

Any of these could be in the top 24 discussion, and I can think of another half dozen where a case could be made.

I couldn't disagree more on Final Destination, but you did remind me that there is one other film I wanted to back: High Tension (Haute Tension).

[Giganticface]

Originally Posted by metternich1815

I couldn't disagree more on Final Destination, but you did remind me that there is one other film I wanted to back: High Tension (Haute Tension).

I'll back High Tension too then. That actually might be the best choice for our purposes since it's more accessible than the rest. It demonstrates the influence the movement is having on mainstream horror, especially since Alexandre Aja went on to direct popular films The Hills Have Eyes and Piranha. It's a good example of the NFE's ability to take tried and true horror themes or formulas and turn them on their head (this one is Slasher of course). It's also a film that's ripe for discussion, however doing so here would surely spoil the ending, so I'll refrain (and hopefully everyone else will be careful about spoilers).

[_____V_____]

Added.

We are still on the lookout for our last film for the top 24. Once that is done, we can start working on the Honorable Mentions.

http://www.horror.com/forum/showthre...57593&page=120

[neverending]

Originally Posted by Giganticface

Completely agree. Unique concept but formulaic plot. Bad acting. Stereotypical characters. Not in the same league as the others in consideration.

Also, if we don't have at least one film from the New French Extremists in our list, at least as Honorable Mentions, I will have lost all faith... IMO it's an indication that personal taste is trumping the choosing of noteworthy happenings of the decade.

Inside
Martyrs
Haute Tension
Frontiers
Trouble Every Day
Ils
In My Skin
Irreversible

Any of these could be in the top 24 discussion, and I can think of another half dozen where a case could be made.

I have to agree here. Several of these were in my original list. I guess I'll vote for Haute Tension, as it seems to have the best chance of getting in, though it's the least interesting film of the lot.

[Sculpt]

In case I hadn't mentioned, Little Otik (2000) full film is available to view for free on Youtube.com (in parts) http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9DAC66706DFAE2DF

Originally Posted by Giganticface

Also, if we don't have at least one film from the New French Extremists in our list, at least as Honorable Mentions, I will have lost all faith... IMO it's an indication that personal taste is trumping the choosing of noteworthy happenings of the decade.

Inside
Martyrs
Haute Tension
Frontiers
Trouble Every Day
Ils
In My Skin
Irreversible

While we're waiting on more input for #22, and while we're on the subject for one of these for HM, I did some research on all these films. From what I've read, "Inside" has a few steps on all the other films. Inside appears to be the one most considered for one of the best horror films of the decade, and completely representative of the new wave of French Horror, and highly rated by critics and audience. Also, I read there's various problems with the other films about making sense, at least within themselves, or otherwise having a worthwhile point. Inside reads as being rather straight forward (a crazy woman wants to steal a woman's unborn child).

Irreversible sounds the most interesting to me (shot in reverse chronological order). but I'm a bit apprehensive, as one reviewer wrote about the violent content leading to nothing more than 'nihilistic fate'. But that maybe inaccurate considering reading violent history in reverse doesn't equate with nihilism or fate.

My point being, High Tension reads as though it's basically about folks being killed by, and trying to evade, a psychotic killer; where the plot and characters are flat (& received 41% Critic RT Rating). Whereas Inside may be a better choice for us to support. (I'll be supporting Inside.)

[realdealblues]

I don't think Irreversible can even be considered. I suppose there is a 1 minute scene at the beginning that could be considered "horrific" and a 10 minute scene in the middle that could be considered "horrific" but the rest is 88 minutes of boring drama, and both scenes could easily be in any Crime/Drama movie made by Martin Scorsese.

[The Villain]

Originally Posted by realdealblues

I don't think Irreversible can even be considered. I suppose there is a 1 minute scene at the beginning that could be considered "horrific" and a 10 minute scene in the middle that could be considered "horrific" but the rest is 88 minutes of boring drama, and both scenes could easily be in any Crime/Drama movie made by Martin Scorsese.

I agree. Disturbing and graphic but not a horror movie

[Giganticface]

Just to be clear, I think mett's, NE's and my vote for Haute Tension put it in the running for the top 24, and aren't intended to be early votes for Honorable Mention.

If we can get two more votes for Haute Tension to potentially put it in the top 24, I'll be ready and willing to back several of the films currently in contention. Heck, I'll help with Battle Royale because I think it's a good fit for HM.

[Sculpt]

Originally Posted by Giganticface

Just to be clear, I think mett's, NE's and my vote for Haute Tension put it in the running for the top 24, and aren't intended to be early votes for Honorable Mention.

If we can get two more votes for Haute Tension to potentially put it in the top 24, I'll be ready and willing to back several of the films currently in contention.

Whether for #22, or Honorable Mentions, don't you think Inside is a better choice? Seems to be the only one in the list with most acclaim & notoriety.