Hessian Horseman – Sleepy Hollow – 2000
For our Tim Burton pick, Sleepy Hollow is an understated modern horror diamond! Off with their head is the manner of murder, and the legend of the headless horseman is a grim reality in the small town of Sleepy Hollow. The main character, Ichabod Crane is a man of logic not fantasy but he soon realises the cutting truth when attempting to solve these horrid murders. There are secrets being dug up all over the place whilst heads are rolling down scenic hills!
Ghost face – Scream – 1996
Scream is one of the few horror films associated with high class art. With the murderer’s mask inspiration taken from the expressionist painting by Edvard Munch, we see the birth of nostalgic 90s killer, Ghost Face! Shedding lots of teenage blood, the main focus of the murders is on Sidney Prescott (Hello Sidney!) as her friends find themselves contemplating the “Rules” of horror films. So self aware, the film is a bit bubblegum, but pays great homage to those that have gone before it.
Michael Myers – Halloween – 1978
The year is 1963. The night: Halloween. The first scene shows a blood thirsty murder of a teenage girl, by her 6-year-old brother, Michael Myers. Then we jump forward 15 years as Michael breaks free only to go on a killing spree. Teen sex, Jamie Lee Curtis and a killer soundtrack, what more do you want people?
Winifred ‘Winnie’ Sanderson – Hocus Pocus – 1993
Let’s call this one a guilty pleasure. After 300 years, three sister witches are resurrected in Salem Massachusetts on Halloween night. The ringleader of the gang is ‘Winnie’ played by the incredible Bette Midler. In order for the witches to stay alive they must, literally, suck the life from the children of Salem. Packed with creepy songs, the walking dead and a cute immortal cat this film should definitely not be confined to PG viewers!
The Djinn – Wishmaster – 1998
The demonic Djinn (evil genie), trapped since 1127A.D is suddenly released causing havoc on Earth. True to myth, he grants his victims three wishes. One young woman wishes to never grow old but remain young and beautiful, so naturally he transforms her into a mannequin, forever confined to her plastic exterior. The film and its villain have a nicely raw horror edge that gives it an authenticity.
