Receiving a gift in a horror film is rarely a good thing. It’s almost always a possessed doll/box/amulet, a monkey’s hand, cursed VHS tape… you get the picture. But as most horror fans are mostly human, we love a good gift. So let’s go beyond the expected and treat them to something they’re hoping for themselves. While you may not be able to stop the onslaught of remakes you can remind them of the great classics, give iconic images and get them on the inside track with some of the most controversial films ever made.
Find out what else horror fans should be looking for this holiday season after the jump!
Some of the most interesting films have equally interesting stories off-screen, which is exactly what film critic Richard Crouse documents in his book Raising Hell: Ken Russell and the Unmaking of The Devils. Crouse documents the behind the scenes antics and politics of one of the most controversial films ever made. A fascinating read, it not only covers one of the most bizarre and horrific films ever on film but underlines its importance to film history. It’s a must-read for every film fan.
Speaking of reading, any self respecting horror fan has seen the classics, but what about a selection of the novels they were based on. From Rosemary’s Baby to Stoker’s Dracula to Matheson’s I Am Legend there’s even more terror to be found in between the lines. If you’re dealing with a particularly well-read horror fan, I’d recommend the book Strewwelpeter by Heinrich Hoffman. Originally published in 1845 the book contains 10 illustrated children’s story each more horrifying than the last mainstream horror release.
