In December, I put myself on a quest to start digging into all things horror(know your roots, I always say.) I have found my first leg over and I couldn't be more pleased. I sat down with Bram Stoker and read his beautifully written, albeit somewhat meaty, vampire story DRACULA.
I loved it. Stoker's descriptions and imagery conveyed each spangled scene vividly. I was sucked into each journal entry. You may be asking yourself why I hadn't read it previously, seeing as I work in a bookstore and now, I write horror. *Shrugs* Cause then I couldn't have read it now.
It was an extra door for me to break into, yes. But I wouldn't have it any other way.
I have seen many, many different vampire inspired movies, I knew the plot for the book so I wasn't too surprised. Then, I went back old school. In the book, UNIVERSAL MONSTERS, they speak of Bela Lugosi. While my knowledge of him prior was based of off the movie ED WOOD, I decided to dig a little deeper. Renting Dracula was by far the highlight of my quest-starting experience. He had played Dracula in New York, and his voice was considered perfect for the vampiric role. However he was not the first choice for the movie. Luck and charm eventually won out for him.
Yes, things are much different with movies now, and it would never fly. But it is the birth of horror movies in the United States. I was tickled with the black and white (which I do love) and everything the story encompassed.
The things the actors used to put themselves through with the make-up alone is horrifying enough to think about. But it was a beautiful piece of work and I'm better for having seen it.
Next, I'm onto Frankenstein. Mary Shelly wrote that book and submitted it for a contest at a time when women weren't really considered able. I'm a little jazzed about this one too!
Of course, when it comes to horror; ie. Gross, twisted, nasty, gnarled stuff always has a good place in my heart.
10 comments:
Both are great reads. I was surprised when I finally watched Bela Lugosi's Dracula that it was made modern day, not Victorian.
I love Bela, and have seen tons of his other movies, but somehow had skipped Dracula. Finally saw it about a year or two ago, don't remember when.
If you're going into the horror field, I would highly recommend Thomas Ligotti. He's often compared to Lovecraft and Poe (and some, including myself, would like to say that he's better than both).
Here's a link to some interviews with him:
http://www.ligotti.net//forumdisplay.php?f=79
Horror, horror, tra la la!
I was amazed at how much I liked "The Hunchback of Notre Dame". Not sure if it falls under horror, per se, but it was dark and cleverly written.
-Mercedes
Bettie! I love Bela too!! After I read more about him, I thought he was great!
Shad B. - Thanks for the reccomendation and the link! I'll totally look him up!
Mercedes - I'll have to look into that one too! Thanks for the recommendation! :D
Hey Hinny!!!
I'm not a huge fan of horror, but I do like psychological thrillers. Some of them, such as "Identity," can be bloody. Great movie by the way.
Frankenstein was written by Mary Shelly, but I think the first publication was published anonymously since women weren't held in high regards when it came to education. I think. Anyways, have fun with it.
Bea
Thanks Bea!! I plan to!
:D
Cool. Great post. I need to go back and read some classics I missed. :-D
Hey now, don't forget about David Manners' gripping role as John Harker. :P Talk about classic acting.
It is a good idea to read the oldies. I took on Dracula a few years back and had similar feelings about it as you. Also try The Turn of the Screw if you're up to it, assuming you haven't already read it.
Thanks onipar! I'll check into it. I'm slightly behind on my classic horror which is why I've chosen to do this! Any recommendations are always welcome.
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