EXCEPTIONALLY STRANGE HORROR CULT CLASSICS by Zachar_Laskewicz on IMDB

Created by mckrees.

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A simplistic definition of the horror genre assumes that it has to contain monsters and to follow a strict set of genre rules. I believe, however, that horror has the potential to work on a number of different levels, both metaphorical, existential and purely visceral. By its very nature it creates possibilities for expression of pretty complex questions about the nature of existence; more importantly it allows questioning film-makers to completely shatter any pre-existing ideas about what can be defined as normal. Here it is used to explore and criticise society in ways no other genre can, primarily because it is much maligned and misunderstood; film-makers have the freedom to create metaphysical spaces that would be otherwise impossible. In this list I'm interested in looking at those aspects of particular films which make them stand out from the others, which make fans of those of us who are attuned to what horror sometimes tries to communicate (and alienates as many). Horror is also an ambiguous zone of possibility that allows experimentation with forms of representation not allowable in anything outside the avant-garde. These days it's hard to find a horror film that really touches you deeply in the nightmarish kind of way true horror really should. The more recent Hollywood spectacles may look good but lack true depth, often providing a humanistic outlook frosted with a prudishly moral acceptance of empty concepts. In short, I rarely see anthing that more than skirts the edges of true horror. Sometimes you have to look really hard, both into the past and to films that aren't produced by the formulaic cemetery for cinema which calls itself an industry. The idea is to include some of them here. I'm going to try to suggest in short some of the reasons why I've added them to the list (with as few spoilers as possible); the ultimate plan is to include at my website more detailed analyses and descriptions which you can find here: http://www.nachtschimmen.eu/places/projects/ESHCC. My other lists contains films that follow the rules set by Hollywood and are not necessarily awful, but should in any case be avoided by anyone who expects something cogent from the genre. Any suggestions for this or my other list are welcome; I'd love to be made aware of more truly weird and exceptional horror films that may be worthy of this list. I'd also like to thank Frank Edelamn who is the sole creator of his astoudingly complete exploration of low-budget, exploitation and anti-Hollywood cinematic offerings in his extensive website, both well written and well-researched. He calls it, aptly, 'Critical Condition' and can be found at the following URL: http://www.critcononline.com. His site and advice helped me add many of the titles to this list.