Off the Beaten and Bloodied Path

Happy Halloween everyone! I hope you are enjoying it. If you are in Philly, I know you are. Soo many riots. Makes me nostaligic for the good ol' race riots of the sixties, eh?

Anyways, here are seven good movies to watch on Halloween night that stray a bit from the usual and more obvious films such as "Halloween" or "Nightmare on Elm Street" which are still classics none the less.

In no particular order, my suggestions for Halloween hedonism pregamery:

1. What ever Happened to Baby Jane?

While much of the horror lies in Bette Davis' face in this movie, the storyline is full of tension and just general creepiness. The plot tells the story of a former child star who quickly faded out of the public eye "taking care" of invalid sister who's brilliant career was cut short by an automobile accident that happened under curious circumstances. Quotable dialogue is croaked out by Davis while she tortures ( and basically acts out her real life hate towards ) Joan Crawford. Memorable highlights include rats, birds, gin, Bette Davis upskirt, etc. This "psycho-biddie" film teeters on camp but still remains more of a unnerving style of creepiness.

2. Rocky Horror Picture Show

Speaking of camp, RHPS is the King-dressed-as-a-queen of camp and cult cinema. Created as a spoof of science fiction films of the fifties, Rocky Horror has amassed a following of fans who act out the movie while it is being projected, usually at midnight shows. This is a good silly movie to get you in the mood for a fun evening but probably not good if you prefer movies that conform to what is comfortable for you to understand.

3. Freaks

Even if you do not watch this for Halloween tonight, GO see this at sometime in your life. Filmed in 1932, Freaks tells the story of love, friendship, and deception in the world of the circus. The film is highly notable for its use of real "circus" freaks that were popular and touring the country during the time of filming. This film quickly turns into a horror film at the end in the vein of German expressionism that was going on in (surprise) Germany at the time. If physical deformities make you a bit queasy, I suggest not eating candy before or after watching this film.

4. Sunset Boulevard

This film-noir gemstone is all sorts of crazy. The Gothic setting and general atmosphere of the film sets the unsettling tone for this tale of an aging silent film star. Sunset Boulevard can be seen as a precursor ( and far superior ) to "What ever Happened to Baby Jane?" and other films that explored the underbelly and effects of Hollywood. Enjoy Norma Desmond's decaying mind in a decaying mansion!

5. A Clockwork Orange

Science-fiction, futuristic Russian slang, ultra-violence, murders via phallic sculpture, iconic costumery, Kubrick etc. etc. I'm sure most of you have seen "A Clockwork Orange" but I'm putting it on this list as I am going as Alex for Halloween tonight ( again, for my 300th time ).

6. Oni-Baba

I saw this movie freshman year at a Temple sponsored event. This black and white Japanese film is a bit slow but the cinematography is beautiful. The story is interesting to boot and this is a good example of how awesome Japan is at creating horror through mood and story rather than sudden noises and "jumpy" moments. Also, I felt compelled to put at least one Japanese film on this list.

7. Blue Velvet

In accordance with my love of Twin Peaks ( and since there's not enough time to watch every episode on Halloween night ) I opted to put his famous "Blue Velvet" on this list. Again, this film is filled with disturbing scenes, dismembered body parts, and the dark underbelly of America suburbia ( no, I'm not talking about you suicide-inducer Lori Drew! ). This movie also features a pre-Green Porno Isabella Rossellini, pre-Jurassic Park Laura Dern, and a pre-pubescent pre-Twin Peaks Kyle Maclachlan.

Happy Halloween! Hope you have a good one. Also, be thankful you are not at Temple University Japan campus as all the anime-nerds, manga-weirdoes, and general otakus have opted to dress up in Kimonos ( so awkward when they are white ) and of course, as their favorite anime / manga / pokemon characters. Ugh!