Hooptober 2019 Film #20
Pre 1966: 4/6
Countries 3/6: Germany
Definitely NOT a horror movie, but it's near the end of October and I'm running out of days so.... In my defense, it is generally listed as a horror movie. More like a crime/murder mystery thing but eh.
Early Murnau film has moments of inspiration, particularly towards the start, which features numerous effective close-ups. When film turns into a murder mystery, becomes dull and uninvolving, save the character of the…
Not as fascinating as the first one, because it's less paranoid and more cartoony. Love how you can instantly tell the difference in the two decades just by watching the two films back-to-back. The paranoia about neighbours is still there, but arguably the biggest red flag (a family likes to take photos of kids in their costumes) is treated as normal, even delightful. Instead, focusses on poisoned or tampered candies, a total myth. And then there's a pumpkin whose insides are carved out who states that "it tickles". Nightmares.
Hooptober 2019 Film #19
Year ending in 6: 5/6
Kind of amazing how many tones The Fly is able to handle. From sweet romance to disgusting body horror and a devastating emotional climax which brought me to tears, it shifts modes easily and winningly. Can't help but see this as a metaphor for AIDS (despite Cronenberg's intentions) so maybe that's part of the reason this wrecked me a little bit. Or maybe the idea of someone you love turning utterly…
Hooptober 2019 Film #13
Pre 1966: 3/6
It seems foolish to diagnose a fictional character, but Mary displays all the signs of Asperger's Syndrome. Obsessed with a singular pursuit (organ playing), emotionally distant, somewhat lacking empathy yet craving connection. I saw myself so much in her that this became extremely effective. Eerie, disturbing and never boring this instantly entered into my great film canon.
Some of the acting is variable. Excluding Candace Hilligoss who should've been a HUGE star, able…
