5 Must See Female Directed Horror Films
It's that time of year again where we take a look at the female of the species. Why we do this every February is an arguement saved for another article but rather more, let's take a look at 5 of the most important female directed horror films that may surprise you.
American Psycho
Mary Harron's adaptation of Brett Easton Ellis' novel is a psychotic insight into the elite yuppy's and wealthy shenanigans that buy off acts of vulgarity to pursue a life of greed. Whether it is the sight of Christian Bale chasing his victim down a corridor with a chainsaw, naked, or a scene dedicated to the career of Huey Lewis and the News, Harron created a movie of it's time. Signifiying the reality of wealth = power, the events that occured mirrored that of the elite culture, while not in its violence but its tone and message.
Held in part by perfect casting in Bale but it's true star is Harron's vision of a classic novel bought to life on screen. Balancing cultural referenc with sheer terror, 'American Psycho' is a must for any horror veteran.
El Gigante
A 2014 short arrives early on in this list and it's Gigi Saul Guerrero's imagination and love for horror that leaves the femme stereotype in a bucket of blood. Guerrero shows a passion for horror in 'El Gigante' that leaves you wanting more and something that has already been confirmed. There really can't be enough wrestling in the horror genre and we will be there waiting for the final clothesline with a killer blow from one of the rising directors to watch out for.
Kiss of the Damned
Xan Cassavetes under-rated vampire chiller seems to have been run under the radar but there is good reason to revisit this modern masterpiece. Picking up the pieces where the likes of 'Twilight' smashed up and introducing us to a blood sucking family that have bite, Cassavetes takes us on a journey that sees events spiral out of control at the hands of one spoilt brat.
Sex, violence and pleanty of family drama to make Eastenders seem dull, 'Kiss of the Damned' is everything a vampire film should be and a star turn from Roxane Mesquida as the teen in question adds another sparkle in the glistening eye of this gem. To boot, this arrived a year before the star studded 'Only Lovers Left Alive' and shares many similarities in tone and score that puts this as a key title in the resurgence of the fanged creatures in the world of horror.
American Mary
Birthed by two Canadian twins by the names of Jen and Sylvia Soska, 'American Mary' stormed critics with it's dark resurgence in the female domineering revenge thriller. Starring Katherine Isabelle as the titular character, the lengths she goes to seek revenge on her attackers goes far beyond that of the hack and slash of the 70's.
Yet despite Mary's transition from sweet student to troubled killer is one that is not easy and shares humanity with someone violated in such fashion. Behind another director, '...Mary' could have been another 'I Spit on your Grave' clone but instead rises taller to showcase not only the talent of its writers and directors but that too of its relatively unknown cast.
Meshes of the Afternoon
During the golden age of Hollywood came something dark and post-modern from the mind of Maya Deren. In an age when the ladies of Hollywood were reduced to screen sirens and the bit on the side for the leading men, Deren defied cinema by creating something so surreal, it's only comparison can be that of the greats.
Often compared to Bunel's 'Un Andalou Chien' and decades later inpiring the work of David Lynch ('Eraserhead') and Shin'ya Tsukamoto ('Tetsuo'), 'Meshes of the Afternoon' is one of many shorts by Deren that reshaped the boundaries between art and cinema. Themes of reflection and the deep emotion of the human psyche, 'Meshes...' sees a young woman multiply to a number of emotive states. From death, to self reflection to the unlocking symbolism of life, it's haunting imagery is only matched by its deeper meaning that will surely differ from viewer to viewer and still leave unanswered questions almost 70 years after its conception.