Dark City
Dark City is a visually stunning film with a unique premise. John Murdoch is a wanted man, but the problem is, he doesn’t even remember who he is. On the run from the police and a group of mysterious individuals, the Strangers, John finds out what the Strangers are really up to. The winner of many awards, the movie didn’t fare well at the box office, but once it was released on VHS and DVD, word of mouth gave it the dedicated following that it has today.
Dawn of the Dead
Romero’s follow up to Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead takes place mostly in a Pennsylvania shopping mall after the zombie apocalypse has reached epidemic proportions. With civilization crumbling, a small group of survivors tries to ride it out in a mall. Another small budget film from Romero that was able to pull in hefty numbers at the box office, DOTD is highly esteemed.
Donnie Darko
Filmed in only 28 days, Donnie Darko has risen to cult classic status due to its philosophical themes and principle photography. Writer and director Richard Kelly’s ability to convey the mounting sense of dread and menace translate superbly to the screen. The story follows Donnie’s days as he is counting down to a possible armageddon scenario. He experiences visions and elements of spacetime, such as wormholes. Not breaking even on its budget and ticket sales in the theatres, strong DVD sales prompted the release of a director’s cut.
The Devil’s Rejects
A film written and directed by Rob Zombie, The Devil’s Rejects is a sequel to the 2003 Rob Zombie film, House of 1000 Corpses. Now we see the Firefly clan on the run from authorities. Zombie’s raw, vicious style manages to entertain without deterring by giving the viewers a glimpse into each character’s twisted psyche, no matter how depraved. Recouping the budget on its opening weekend, the film grossed over $19 million worldwide.
Dracula (1931)
Bela Lugosi in his iconic role as Dracula is still admired today. Based on the novel of the same name by Bram Stoker, the film was a wild hit in the theatres. Originally slated to have Lon Chaney in the lead role, plans were changed when Cheney lost his battle with throat cancer. After much discord behind the scenes, the film opened
Would it have been as successful had Lon Chaney been Dracula? I've wondered that for a while now.
ReplyDeleteHappy A2Z Blogging!
I wanted to see Dark City and never did. But Donny Darco rocks!
ReplyDeleteOKinUK,
ReplyDeleteGood question. Also, what would that have left Lugosi with for his acting future. He was forever typecast from the moment he donned the cape. Countless imitations and parodies over the years all mock his phonetics and mannerisms.
Definitely something to think about...
Thanks for stopping by!
Laura,
ReplyDeleteOh my, you really should check out DARK CITY. It's one to be remembered for the visuals alone.
And I completely agree, DONNIE DARKO is horror at its finest!!! The dream-like quality and themes are profound.
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Never heard of these movies...I was into "the Creature from the Black Lagoon" era! Just stopping by from the challenge to say 'hello'...
ReplyDeleteHey Jarm! That's a great era to be into. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!