Fear factor on celluloid
Yesterday was Friday the 13th, considered to be the unluckiest day in many cultures -- a significant subject of several horror flicks. On the occasion here's a look at some of the most spine-chilling films:
The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Jonathan Demme directed one of the finest chillers, aided by a magnificent cast. Jodie Foster made for a compelling Clarise, but the film remains a classic because of Sir Anthony Hopkins' surreally believable turn as Hannibal Lecter.
Rosemary's Baby (1968)
Arguably Roman Polanski's best film, this is a stylised, atmospheric horror film that leaves the audience breathless. Mia Farrow portrays paranoia to perfection in the title role, even as Polanski cranks it up to 'eerie'. The film is haunting, demonic and shows great finesse.
Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens (1922)
FW Murnau directed this groundbreaking silent classic, based on Dracula. Max Schreck plays Count Orlok, the vampire, embodying unadulterated fear onto the silver screen. More than 80 years after it's release, the film remains a powerful, disturbing and ultimately frightening epic.
The Exorcist (1973)
In a nutshell: there's a girl acting weird and a man in a hat has been called as a last resort. Knowing that prepares one for nothing in this relentless assault on the more sensitive senses. In William Friedkin's classic, Linda Blair as the unfortunate possessed girl and Max Von Sydow as the priest create magic. An undeniably disturbing movie.
Psycho (1960)
More a thriller than pure horror, it however remains hard to dispute the pure rush of fear coursing through the veins the first time one sees Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece. Janet Leigh plays Marion Crane. The film opens on an economically written robbery that a shower scene makes the audience forget quite entirely.
The Shining (1980)
Stanley Kubrick blissfully adapted the Stephen King novel to create the most frightening film ever. An isolated hotel. Woods. A young boy who talks to himself. Nightmares. Bleeding hallways. A tremendously scary background score. Cold ruthlessness. And the one and only Jack Nicholson, playing Jack Torrance: "Here's Johnny!"