paul2001sw-1
The 1970s are considered by many to have been a golden age of Amrican film-making in general; but the were arguably also a golden age of American horror films, with many classics of the genre dating from this time. 'The American Nightmare' considers some of these movies in the engaging and thoughtful company of some of those who made them; and also of John Landis, who sadly gets most screen time although the enthusiasm he has for his own words is in inverse proportion to the interest of what he has to say. But I don't quite buy the argument presented that these movies amounted to social commentary: they can be quite scary, and they may borrow their imagery from Vietnam or the civil rights movement, but their fundamental silliness is completely ignored in this reverent discussion. Personally, I think most of the films considered here are good, after a fashion; but scarcely serious. So don't watch this film for the most profound of analysis. But if you want to learn why Tobe Hooper made 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' (and so on), it's unmissable viewing.
Blastocystosis
I caught this on IFC and it's one of the best documentaries I've ever seen. This is not only for the huge horror fan, but it's also for fans of movies period. American Nightmare goes deep and discovers what helped these classic directors create their films. Interviews with legends like George Romero, Tom Savini, David Cronenberg, Wes Craven, Tobe Hooper,and John Carpenter. Some really interesting facts are mentioned, like Hooper's idea for Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Savini's Vietnam days, etc. The overall theme of the documentary is how the horrors of real life effected the directors. Things like the Vietnam war, Kennedy's assassination, the Cold War were all things that helped inspire some of the greatest films in cinematic history. Another great thing about this documentary is it takes you back to a time of when people knew how to make horror movies. I am only 18 (as of this review, 2004) and was not around during these eras. It's really nice to see what it was like back then. I would recommend this for anyone who is a movie fan. I'd especially recommend this to kids who flock to see the latest butchered remake of classics or CGI-running-zombie-crapfests that come out these days. 10/10
preppy-3
Tom Savini, John Landis, George Romero, John Carpenter, Wes Craven. Tobe Hooper and David Cronenberg talk about their horror films (and others) and explain what they mean and where their ideas came from. Film shows how the times they grew up in (lates 60s, early 70s) influenced them greatly. The film includes very graphic images from the Vietnam war, Kent State, race riots, assassinations--you can see why these filmmakers make such gory, violent films! As a horror fan, I loved this documentary. It also gave me some insight into two horror films I hate-- "Last House on the Left" and "Texas Chainsaw Massacre". I still despise them but I understand where the films came from. A rare chance to see all these directors talking about the films. A must-see for anyone interested in movies.
lar-5
As my summary states, this great piece highlights the documentary as an art form and not a clip show, or 'greatest-hits' package. The filmmaker takes his primary thesis - North American horror films of the 60's and 70's and how they relate to the events of the time, and builds it beautifully. Using exclusive interviews, great film clips, and wonderful behind-the-scenes photos, the filmmaker paints a stunning, and slightly disturbing, picture. I've seen, heard, and read many things about the featured filmmakers before, but this documentary managed to mine fresh and very interesting anecdotes and insight. My one complaint echoes that of another reviewer in wishing that this was longer. My one hope is that someone makes this available to home video so I can see it again and share it with others.
AD
