Zombie flicks versus slasher films, monsters versus demons. No, it's not a sequel to “Cabin in the Woods,” it's a battle of horror subgenres! This week sees the release of a supernatural thriller. "Ouija" is of a kind with Steven Spielberg's "Poltergeist" and Japanese hit "The Grudge." If having the dead in your face doesn't give you goosebumps, there is the suggested fright of a classic such as "The Haunting." The queen of possession films is William Friedkin's "The Exorcist."
That demon category includes "The Omen" and recent addition "The Conjuring." Its prequel out this month, "Annabelle" gives nod to creepy-doll fantasies such as "Puppet Master" and the unloveable Chucky. Slasher filmmakers have given us some of the most successful film franchises of all time such as “Halloween” AKA “Friday the 13th,” “Scream” and A Nightmare on Elm Street.” Torture porn surged in popularity during the last decade with "Saw" and Hostel." Some viewers’ loyalties lie with specific filmmakers such as Alfred Hitchcock, George Romero and Dario Argento.
What type of horror movie is in your queue? And which do you shun? And why? Why did “found footage” became a successful subgenre and worn trope? What other eras have seen surges in subgenres?
Guests:
Tim Cogshell, film critic for KPCC and Alt Film Guide
Andy Klein, film critic for KPCC and L.A. Times Community Paper Chain