Mini-review: The Haunting (1963)

The Haunting
Directed by Robert Wise

A creepy haunted house movie that still stands as not only one of the very best horror films of the '60s, but of all-time. Amazingly-shot and well-acted, this is the subtle, reserved type of horror I love. Instead of having things flying at you, Wise chooses to build atmospheric tension without needing to show the audience almost anything. The result is one of the most creepy and awesome horror movies of its time. Even over 50 years after its release, it still manages to make my hair stand on end. A great ghost story and an absolutely unmissable horror classic.

Mini-review: The Masque Of The Red Death (1964)

The Masque Of The Red Death
Directed by Roger Corman

A high point in the careers of Roger Corman and Vincent Price. This beautifully-shot Poe adaptation is one of the darker films in Corman's filmography, and a great example of just how great a filmmaker he really is. Theatrical, poetic, darkly cynical, and morbidly entertaining, I see this movie almost as Corman's take on The Seventh Seal -- one I consider to be one of the greatest films ever made. Though this obviously doesn't hold a title that strong, I still really dig its style and scope.

Mini-review: The Raven (1963)

The Raven
Directed by Roger Corman

Probably the earliest completely self-aware "horror" film from Roger Corman, and one of the most entertaining in many ways. The effects are corny, the acting is over-the-top, the dialogue does a great job at matching that tone, and the look/setting is actually pretty awesome in a gothic sort of way. Worth watching even if just for the final wizard duel, and seeing Vincent Price, Boris Karloff, Peter Lorre, and a young Jack Nicholson all in the same picture. Fun, goofy, and surprisingly ahead of its time.