Minds of Fear: 30 Cult Classics of the Modern Horror Film

Midnight Marquee has always been one of my favorite publishers because of their wonderful books on classic horror films. But in "Minds of Fear" author Calum Waddell takes a look at 30 modern classic or near classic horror films and I must say I was overjoyed by his choices. You won't find the Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street films here, instead Waddell chooses to spotlight some wonderful, yet lesser know horror films from the 70's, through present day. First, Waddell gives readers the major credits such as cast, director, writer, special effects, and year of release. Next comes a detailed synopsis of each film. One word of caution though...they do include spoilers. Following that is Waddell's thorough and honest critique of each film, and finally, memories of the film shared by the director and cast members. While Halloween is credited as being the film that kicked off the slasher film genre, the fact is that Bob Clark's wonderfully atmospheric "Black Christmas" pre-dated Halloween by four years. Yes, the same Bob Clark who would direct on of the great teen comedies, "Porkys" as well as the holiday classic, "A Christmas Story". In fact, Clark talks about how John Carpenter was a fan of the film and asked if we was going to do a sequel. Clark wasn't, but said if he did, it would be called "Halloween" and the killer would have been caught and placed in an asylum, later to escape and return to the campus he terrorized. Despite the similarities, Clark doesn't feel that Carpenter owes him anything. Michael Berryman, the undeniable star of the original "The Hills have Eyes" has nothing but fond memories of the Wes Craven film. In fact Berryman claims to have the entire movie memorized including the lines of the entire cast. Waddell is on the money when he proclaims that the 1988, big-budget remake of "The Blob" was a vast improvement over the original "B" film. It's quite a shame the film didn't get much press at the time of its release. It boasted a solid cast and outstanding special effects without the benefit of CGI technology that was only just emerging. Without benefit of CGI, director Chuck Russell still managed to pull off some of the most gruesome death scenes ever put on film before or since. "Motel Hell" was one of my favorite drive-in movies in the early 80's. The cult classic became a regular viewing my friends and I. For me, it was the first film that combined horror with elements of comedy (no matter how twisted). The poor victims, buried out in the fields up to the neck and gurgling under their sacks still gives me the willies! Star Rory Calhoun had been a pretty big star in the 50's and 60's, performing mainly in westerns. He appeared in just about every western TV show of the era including "The Texan", "Bonanza", "The Virginian", "Gunsmoke", "Rawhide", and "Death Valley Days". One would guess he had to be a bit embarrassed by his role in "Motel Hell" but it didn't stop him from turning in a wonderfull

Calum Waddell has written a book that should appeal to both new and old fans of the horror genre. Hardcore fans of the genre will know the majority of the films contained in this book and have most likely seen many of the films a number of times. So you probably think you know all there is to know about them. Wrong! Waddell packs quite a lot of information in to this short but sweet book. I believe I have quite a bit of knowledge on the genre but there was quite a lot of info that I was unaware of like Robert Englund auditioning for Kill Bill Vol. 1 and that Tobe Hooper's Eaten Alive is one of Quinten Taratino's favourite films (although I guessed that was tue when a certain scene in a hospital played in Kill Bill Vol 1). Even the photo's contained in the book are interesting (I'm not entiely sure but there may be a screen grab from one of the hardcore sex scenes that was put into the Japanese version of Eaten Alive contained within the pages). New fans of the genre should pick this book up as it is the perfect way to start your horror collection. Once you've seen the films contained in Minds of Fear you will know whether or not you wish to venture further into bizarre territory. I haven't read a book that contains an insight to the films contained within Minds of Fear, so Waddell has chosen his subject matter carefully. I have always thought that Eaten Alive is an underated classic and Tobe Hooper never got the recognition he deserved for this trashy feast. But thankfuly, I'm not alone in that opinion and Calum Waddell obviously feels the same. I don't agree with all the films contained in the book - I have never thought much of the film Cujo - I find it very boring and does not compare to Stephen King's tense novel. But that's what makes this book so much fun. It is all about opinion and Calum Waddell has an easy writing style that makes this a pleasure to read. He has an excellent rapport with the various genre artists and it shows within the text. Whilst I don't agree with some of the choices in this book, I still find it interesting to read Waddell's thoughts. So for the horror fan, this is a no brainer. Go pick the book up, it's well worth the purchase.