Santa Sangre (1989)

A boy is committed to a mental institution after witnessing his father cut off his mother's arms and then kill himself while growing up in the circus. Years later he escapes the facility and reunites with his mother who puppeteers him into becoming her own arms. 


The imagination and depth behind this story and the directing are very impressive. It is the type of film that induces heightened emotions - pain, fear, love, empathy, anxiety - and those triggers, to me, are momentous experiences in life. There is so much tragedy in this film, painted with a circus-like freakiness; far from average tragic situations. It is 100% bizarre on an extremist level but it is detailed and woven together with artistic perfection. It is a movie with which you will either be too disturbed to withstand 5 minutes or be lastingly mesmerized. I'm not really sure whether I would categorize this film as a horror story or a love story but it definitely wins for most unforgettable.

Peeping Tom (1960)

Peeping Tom is a brilliant horror film. The killer in this film is a character who as a child was psychologically abused as a result of being a lab rat for his father's scientific studies involving fear and the human psyche. As a result he inherits extreme voyeuristic tendencies which the director, using clever tactics, forces the audience to experience as well. This makes the killer feel real (as opposed to the generic and over-dramatized villains found in many horror films today) and creates a very personal experience for the viewer.

The atmosphere throughout the film's entirety is filled with unsettling tension and the director creates this without polluting the movie with unecessary gore and shock value. The ending is refreshingly unpredictable and a perfect touch to this daunting tragedy. The film is also visually pleasing as it is shot using rich color and inventive camera placement (for its time). Definitely a must-see for all fans of horror.


Fun fact: Peeping Tom was rejected in 1960 for being too shocking and vulgar, destroying Powell's career as a director

Videodrome (1983)

An original story with a solid execution, Videodrome was far ahead of its time and continues to put to shame attempts at mind-bending, psychological thrillers. The owner of an erotic TV program stumbles across a pirate video broadcast that begins to have a bizarre effect on him and the increasingly thin lines drawn between reality and the virtual world.

As with most David Cronenberg's films, Videodrome is not for everyone as it is very weird and unusually provocative. Cronenberg also cleverly plays with issues regarding media and desensitization to violence. James Woods' performance is a large contribution to the success of the film and I love that Deborah Harry (Blondie) was casted. This is one of the most unique films I have ever seen.

Hairspray (2007)

This musical remake of the film by the great John Waters is a two-hour bolt of positive energy. It captures the amazing culture of Baltimore (my hometown) while addressing race and body image equality in a fun, feel-good way.

The whole cast does a wonderful job and Nikki Blonsky (the energetic, "overweight" main character) really does win you over. Christopher Walken and John Travolta (in a fat suit) are adorable as a singing and dancing husband and wife. I wish there were more films that targeted issues on an activist level while maintaining light-hearted, fun entertainment.

Briar Patch (aka Plain Dirty) (2003)

When I saw Dominique Swain's performance in Adrian Lyne's Lolita (great film) something about her style really intrigued me so I decided to check out this little unknown film in which she is starred. I love films with heavy character development and Dominique Swain does a great job of luring your attention.

This is a Southern Gothic style movie about an abusive relationship/love triangle. There are a lot of brutal scenes but it is directed with a modesty that really communicates to the audience well...the acting is realistic, the plot doesn't try to sell-out, and visually it is right on point. This film deserves more credit.

From Beyond (1986)

One of my favorite 80s horror films though definitely one of those more hilarious than spooky ones. It is based off a H.P. Lovecraft story and it perplexes me just how under-rated this film is especially when it comes to sci-fi/horror fans. Two scientists create an invention that gives people the ability to perceive a horrifying universe that is "from beyond".

The special effects are fantastic and the whole film is outrageously entertaining and demanding of attention. It is the perfect blend of slime, gore, perversion, comedy, and 80s cheese.

The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970)

Very strong debut film by Dario Argento. His vision and sense of style is so clear with this film, establishing  trademarks that can be found in all its successors. This is one of my all-time favorite murder/mystery/serial killer film as well as my favorite Argento film (although I haven't seen all of them yet) even surpassing Suspiria, his most well-known film.

From beginning to end he really captures the audience using impressive mood-control. Every scene is like an abstract piece of art, captivating from every angle. It is quite an attractive film. I love the soundtrack…very spookily avant-garde. The acting is a little unusual but not in a believable/unbelievable way; just more of a stylistic feature. The plot is much more complete than some of his others that receive complaint of being too holey and the ending delivers a well done twist.

Tideland (2005)

Tideland is one of my favorite films by one of my favorite film makers. It also seems to be one of Mr. Gilliam's least recognized films possibly due to its creepy undertow/borderline taboo moments. It is about the traumatic life of a young girl seen from her point of view.

Despite how dark and tragic the plot is, he portrays it with such color, innocence, and imagination; very Alice in Wonderland-esque. Everything about this movie, from the music to the camera techniques to the props, is so so so pretty. The acting is outstanding, the actors perfectly casted...this movie is a real treasure.

Sleeping Beauty (2011)

Sleeping Beauty is a powerfully controversial film that left me feeling unsettled for days (that is a good thing). It very hauntingly portrays the self-destructive lifestyle of a stunningly beautiful, ice-cold character played perfectly by Emily Browning.

The film's slow pace is necessary as it focuses less on narrative and more on raw emotion and gorgeous cinematography. There are scenes in the movie that are intriguingly uncomfortable; the fact that they are both alluring and off-putting at the same time is, in my opinion, fantastic. A beautiful, realistic film.