Note: Multiple links are listed since (a) different versions exist and (b) many scripts posted become unavailable over time. Please notify me if you encounter a stale link.
It’s difficult to make a horror film that can make a big enough impression with audiences to spark an entire franchise. Many directors have attempted to capture an audience with stunning monsters, open-ended story lines and intense special effects. However, audiences are difficult to please and it’s not uncommon for these movies to fall directly into obscurity.
But there are times when a horror movie is good enough to really get the attention of horror film addicts and the general movie-goers as well. These films, for some reason or another, just have the chemistry of a horror film concocted in a perfect manner to attract an audience and keep them wanting more.
For the aspiring horror film writer, these films are crucial for understanding what balance of story and characters is necessary to create a perfect franchise and the best way to start is at the beginning. Contained in the list below is the premiere films of several different successful franchises spanning from the 1970’s to today. Upon close observation, an aspiring screenwriter may be able to recognize a pattern and therefore figure out a “formula” for creating the perfect scary movie. For those who choose to set upon this journey, I wish you good luck in finding the Holy Grail of the horror industry.
There is just something about Brad Dourif that makes him perfect for horror films. His childlike face exudes innocence at one moment yet transforms into a terrifying vision when he makes the decision to be frightening. His voice can be kind and gentle one moment yet turn into a vicious tone that would be characteristic of a psychopathic serial killer. In films, he often appears to be a troubled soul tortured by angels and demons fighting for authority over him. He is a brilliant actor that encourages sympathy and hatred at will.
Since his stunning performance as Billy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), Hollywood has kept him busy with films ranging from dramas to horror films. The characters he plays are always three-dimensional due to his acting ability- not necessarily the nature of the role. In the Child’s Play series of horror films, Dourif (as Chucky) captures qualities to the psychopathic dolls that not many other actors could accurately portray. In the Exorcist 3, Dourif characterizes a psychopathic serial killer with such enthusiasm that a viewer may be terrified speechless at the intensity of his scenes.
Despite the fact that Dourif has been stereotyped as a member of the horror genre, his acting ability shows his ability to blend into other roles with precision and depth that would be lost in a less talented actor.
With the release of the new Fright Night (2011) film starring Collin Farrell and David Tennant (Dr. Who), many people are dusting off their old VHS copies of the original film that was made in 1985. This is not to say that the remake isn’t any good. In fact, the new rendition of the classic Fright Night could probably be blamed for the rising popularity of the original film which has jumped up to the top 500 films that are searched on IMDB the week of the remake’s release! Amidst all the excitement, Tom Holland (the director and writer of the original film) has come to the attention of the press as being the cause of this uprising of nostalgic horror movie fans… and with good cause!
Tom Holland is a director and writer of horror films including Psycho II and Child’s Play. He has worked alongside big name actors and directors, including Stephen King and Anthony Perkins and has contributed a great amount of distinguished horror films to mainstream audiences. Fright Night was his directorial debut and carries a great amount of his individual style and ideas. His films are notable for their vibrant dialogue, personable heroes and intense film shots. Combined, they have earned Holland a place on the list of the most influential horror film writers/directors of this time.
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