Kyle Osborne's EntertainmentOrDie.Com

Looking For A Scary Movie? This Guy Has 150 Suggestions For You

By Kyle Osborne

If you want to find a diamond, you go to a jeweler. If you want a great recipe, you ask an experienced chef. And if you want to find a scary movie, well, just ask Dustin. In his new book, ‘The Fright File:150 Films To See Before Halloween,’ Dustin Putman puts a lifetime of experience between the covers. A knowledgeable film critic, in general, Putman has always been especially fond of frightful fare. The walls of his home are filled with DVD’s and Blu-rays–and a sizable portion of his collection is devoted to things that go bump in the night. You can purchase the book at Amazon and Kindle: The Fright File

And here’s the surprising thing: for a guy who has spent thousands of hours watching scary stuff, he’s about the most normal, nice guy you’ll ever meet. Not the least bit weird for a man who has seen more blood than an ER doctor, more cuts than a Congressional budget and more gore than a prison cafeteria cook. Entertainment Or Die decided to pick Dustin’s brain like an ill-fated extra in a George Romero flick–here’s what he had to say:

Kyle Q: What is your earliest memory of being scared?

Dustin A: Good question. I am not sure if I can pinpoint my very first early memory of being scared. I started watching horror movies when I was around four years old, when my parents got our first VCR. I had a teenage brother at the time who was already into the genre, so he definitely was the one who got me into it. More than anything, I remember horror being fun. I would watch “Friday the 13th” and movies like that all the time, and a story I talk about in the book was that my parents allowed me to watch these films as long as I knew that they were make-believe, with actors and make-up effects and all that. It is because of this that I became so interested in the technical side of filmmaking as an art. But back to your question, I have two early memories of being very scared. One was, oddly enough, the 1985 Disney sequel called “Return to Oz,” which freaked me out with the scenes set in the mental hospital and Princess Mombi’s gallery of disembodied heads. The other memory I have is of being terrified and running out of the room every time this Busch Gardens commercial would come on TV advertising the then-new “Big Bad Wolf” roller-coaster. This must have been the mid-1980s, and it both freaked me out and intrigued me.

Q: Do you get scared NOW when you watch scary movies? Do you check the closets and under the bed? Can a horror movie be “Great” or even “good” if it doesn’t scare the bejeezus out of you?

A:Movies can definitely still scare me, but it doesn’t happen quite as often as I’d like–and, thankfully, I never feel the need to check the closets or look under my bed. A recent one that really got under my skin was 2012’s “Sinister,” to the point where I have wanted to watch it again on Blu-ray, but keep holding out because I’m nervous to revisit it! There is also a difference between a film that can make you jump, and one that stays with you after the end credits have rolled. As long as it is well-made and I am involved in the characters, I can certainly appreciate genre works that don’t strictly frighten me.

Q: What is it about the horror genre that you love? What do you say to people who flatly state, “I hate scary movies”? Can you convert them?

A: I do not understand people who don’t like the horror genre, just like I am not going to pretend I understand people who dislike Halloween. Then again, to each their own. I am not a huge fan of, say, westerns, but I can still appreciate them when they are done well. Horror indisputably does not get enough credit. Beyond the cathartic thrill of watching them when they are good, there are often so many layers and underlying themes and ideas and imagination to them–far more than most other genres. It seems strange to me, then, when people write them off as trash, or somehow a lesser cinematic form. I think the opposite.

Q: You’ve included 150 movies–I’m sure you could have listed twice as many–what were your basic criteria. Was movie #151 a heart breaker to leave out of the book? Perhaps there’ll be a Vol. 2?

A: I can tentatively announce that there is a plan for a Volume 2 in about two or three years. The only criteria I had for a movie’s inclusion in the book was that I had to be passionate about it, and it had to be the kind of film I would love to watch or discover around the autumn/Halloween season. It is not a comprehensive, be-all-end-all listing of my top 150 horror films, but simply ones that I chose to write about. I already have a long list of titles for a volume 2, so if your favorite isn’t in the book, it will very likely be in the next one.

Q: What is the most over rated scary movie? The most underrated? Unfairly maligned?

A: This is a tough question, but such a fascinating topic. I tend to really love or at least appreciate most of the “classic” genre pictures, so I will mention a relatively recent one that a lot of people liked and I didn’t: 2007’s “The Mist,” based on the Stephen King novella. It isn’t that I hate it, but the ending (which I won’t give away for those who haven’t seen it) rubs me so wrong and is so emotionally dishonest that it negates the rest of the film for me. Even more recently than that, “World War Z” received far more positive notices than I would have expected. Maybe because the production had been so troubled viewers lowered their expectations. For me, it was watered-down to the point of annoyance and was a huge missed opportunity. There are so many better zombie movies that I can’t, in good conscience, recommend a mediocre one, no matter how big the budget and scope are.

As far as underrated, 2005’s “Dark Water,” directed by Walter Salles, came out in the midst of the Japanese remake craze, soon after “The Ring” and “The Grudge,” and I can remember seeing it opening night in a theater full of obnoxious 15-year-olds who were there to socialize and text rather than watch a movie. It was released in the summer and was PG-13, so the assumption would be that it might cater to a teenybopper crowd and rely on cheap jump scares and zero nuance. Imagine my surprise, then, to find a handsome, intelligent, thoughtful, eerie, psychologically complex throwback to adult-minded 1970s films like “The Exorcist” and “Don’t Look Now,” with what I believe is a career-best performance from Jennifer Connelly. That she did not receive an Oscar nomination for this film is mind-boggling to me. It deserves to find the audience it never rightfully got.

And for movies that are unfairly maligned, let me go with three. 2010’s much-delayed “Case 39” has a lot more to it than critics gave it credit for. The 1998 “Psycho” remake is actively hated in certain circles solely because Gus Van Sant attempted a provocative, nearly shot-for-shot remake of Hitchcock. If no 1960 version existed, though, it wouldn’t have been an issue and might have been able to stand on its own. I see it as an interesting experiment, cover piece and loving tribute to the original Master of Suspense. Finally, 1982’s “Halloween III: Season of the Witch” has carried a stigma with it for over thirty years just because it tells a different story and doesn’t have Michael Myers as the villain. Lately, the tides have slowly begun to turn and it has attained a passionate cult following. It’s still my second-favorite in the “Halloween” franchise, a creepy, stylish, off-kilter ode to “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” that, had it been successful, was supposed to be the first in a planned annual Halloween-related horror anthology series. If only.

Q: Which horror films do you watch and re-watch each year?

A: I love to rewatch my favorites every few years, films like “The Exorcist,” “Poltergeist,” Hitchcock’s “Psycho,” “Don’t Look Now,” and “Creepshow.” The two that I make a point of seeing every October are 2009’s nonlinear, “Pulp Fiction”-esque anthology “Trick ‘r Treat,” and 1978’s “Halloween.”

Q: The desert isle question–you can only take 3 horror movies with you–which 3?

A: The first choice is a no-brainer–John Carpenter’s “Halloween,” my all-time favorite horror movie. I adore every last thing about it and could basically recite it back to you at this point. My second choice is Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining,” which never loses any of its effectiveness and always offers something new to discover with each viewing. Finally, my #3 desert isle choice would be “Pet Sematary.” It would give me nightmares, to be sure, but at least I’d know I was alone and the beyond-horrifying, spinal meningitis-inflicted Zelda couldn’t get me.

33 thoughts on “Looking For A Scary Movie? This Guy Has 150 Suggestions For You

  1. cheap fleshlight

    cheap fleshlight
    Despite what amounts to little more than a cameo appearance, Tang is an intriguing character, and
    he has some of the best quotes in the book.
    He continues to be a committed activist even as he gains the
    realism and perspective of someone who, in his late 50s, has seen it all.
    He knows people might claim asylum for all sorts of reasons.
    I tought that by doing it a few times, then it would start to feel
    better because my hymen will be stretched out a little more.
    But I guess that doesn’t work like that. One finger can’t stretch
    it.

    male sex toys If you’re not so athletic, there are two basic
    options to still enjoy the double heated dildo with your
    partner: either you use bendable double header dildo sex toy, which can keep the position you set or you may choose silicone double dildos that can easily be bent at 90 degrees.

    Also, double headers are harness compatible. Thus one end goes into vagina of the strap on wearer, comes
    out through the ring of the harness and then ca be used just like a strap on dildo, with a remark, both partners win in this case.
    male sex toys

    male sex toys Hoo boy if you think we don care you are so wrong.
    At least many of us. A woman can tell her
    man where to find it if she doesn know herself after all,
    so we gotta read this stuff too. Sometimes there so much going on, maybe,
    my mind/body has a hard time keepingIts definitely a me thing (I think
    lol). Its usually when I lost my O at the last second and became incredibly frustrated.
    Then, I feel I need that do over. male sex toys

    sex toys None of us (except the other 30 families) can imagine their loss, but sadly I don’t think they’ll find the satisfaction or closure they probably think they will by playing Monday
    morning quarterback. There’s a reason why it’s the worst mass shooting in US history because it’s never happened before, so you just don’t
    plan for it. The real legacy for these kids is that their
    tragedy has made millions of college kids all over the world more safe.
    sex toys

    anal sex toys My daughter (age 3) knows and says that I work for “Bitch Magazine.” I hesitated about telling her the name, but after hearing her say
    too many times that she was going to work with her
    dad at the hospital, I decided she needed to know more about
    what I do. One day she proudly wore a “Bitch” sticker on shirt when we went out to dinner, but I decided against letting
    her wear a “Bitch” pin to school. She’s never asked what the word means, but it’s only a matter of time.
    anal sex toys

    vibrators I’m just really stressed and it’s causing me to maybe
    miss my period? Because last time this happened, like
    I said I’d get signs of getting my period, then they go away, then come back,(not
    normal unless I’m worried) but I was extreamly worried.

    This seems to only happen when I eat my self up inside.
    AAhhh!! My period last to maybe 5 days or 6. Even if you plan to upload a video for the product, we ask that
    you do not skimp on your regular text review.
    The videos are meant to supplement, while the text should
    be the heart of your review. We ask that you avoid restating all of the
    basic statistics that are listed on the EdenFantasys product page vibrators.

  2. www.Smellgood.se/

    I really liked this post i actually ead ypur blog pretty often, and you’re alwayss coming out with pretty great stuff.
    I shared this on my fb, and my followers loved it.
    Continue thee good work 🙂

  3. Celina

    Aw, this was an exceptionally nice post. Spending some time and actual effort to make
    a very good article… but what can I say… I put things off a whole lot
    and never seem to get nearly anything done.

  4. https://jinshan-kranma.blogspot.com

    Just want to say your article is as surprising. The clearness in your post is just great
    and i can assume you are an expert on this subject.
    Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with
    forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.

  5. https://Pochon-massage0.blogspot.com

    This is the right webpage for anyone who hopes to find out
    about this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa).

    You certainly put a fresh spin on a subject that has been discussed for years.
    Great stuff, just excellent!

  6. Bryce

    Thanks for some other great article. The place else could anyone get that type of information in such a perfect manner of writing?

    I have a presentation next week, and I am on the search for such info.

  7. Leoma

    It’s really a nice and helpful piece of info. I’m happy that you just shared
    this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this.
    Thanks for sharing.

  8. cheats for csr racing

    There is enormous force and pressure combined with energy that makes up a tsunami.
    Each car has been given a careful polish to look and
    sound authentic. Almost instantly after the game starts, the player finds
    himself in a frenzy because of all those shifting of gears,
    flooring of gas pedals and the crazy maneuvering of the cars
    through the other competitors.

  9. http://bing.com/

    Training a dog that is bored and dog training this is among the most
    minimal progress. What’s with the neighborhood. Don’t yank him
    back to you and your guests so dog training what you want to leave out the slack leash.
    The man responsible for Scooby’s death claims that the dog loves to be strict but relaxed
    all at once as this could raise the well-mannered and well mannered so you and your family.
    Anymore and so without having to punish your pet with you and your dog has fighting ability also.

    my homepage: puppy training – http://bing.com/

  10. Bradley

    I do not comment, however after browsing a few of the comments on Looking For A Scary Movie?
    This Guy Has 150 Suggestions For You Kyle Osborne\’s
    EntertainmentOrDie.Com. I actually do have a
    couple of questions for you if it’s okay. Is it only
    me or does it seem like a few of these comments come across like they are left by brain dead individuals?

    😛 And, if you are posting at other online social sites, I’d like to keep up with you.
    Would you post a list of the complete urls of your social networking sites like your linkedin profile, Facebook page or twitter feed?

  11. target coupon codes

    All the products are tested for their quality and durability.
    Just look at the current data on spa patronage and learn what you can do
    to use these facts to your marketing advantage:.
    Exhibit 2: Total Reach of Social Networks in the US, according to Google Ad Planner.

  12. buying disk recovery

    I have been browsing online greater than 3 hours these days, but I never discovered any interesting
    article like yours. It’s lovely price enough for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made good
    content material as you did, the internet will
    be much more helpful than ever before.

  13. Making clothes

    Hi, Neat post. There’s an issue along with your site
    in internet explorer, would check this? IE nonetheless is the marketplace
    leader and a large portion of people will leave out your excellent writing due to this problem.

  14. Cetak Kaos

    As mentioned earlier also, desi wear collection has
    something to offer for everyone regardless of the age and
    gender of the person. There are many different styles
    and designs of t-shirts made for pregnant women. From brand names to local designers, you’ll find any type of cheap clothing you want.

  15. Following keyword

    Many times, you may not be aware that the item will be coming from the other person or company
    until you check out. Marketplace divides its sellers into two principal categories: casual and
    professional. Books that are rare to find may get a good selling price or there can be a case where a
    particular edition of a book that can be high in demand.
    I put it on towel-dried hair, let it dry naturally, and straighten with an iron.
    One member of of an online community left this review on
    a website.

  16. earring black

    We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.

    Your web site offered us with helpful information to work
    on. You’ve done an impressive process and our whole group will be grateful to you.

  17. http://www.gamezebo.com

    I’m amazed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s equally educative and engaging,
    and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head.
    The problem is something that not enough people are speaking intelligently about.

    I am very happy that I came across this in my hunt for something relating to this.

  18. beard styles for black men

    I believe what you published was actually very logical. But, think on
    this, what if you composed a catchier title? I am not saying your information is not solid.,
    but what if you added something that grabbed folk’s attention?
    I mean Looking For A Scary Movie? This Guy Has 150 Suggestions For You Kyle Osborne\’s EntertainmentOrDie.Com is kinda boring.
    You should look at Yahoo’s front page and see how
    they create article headlines to grab people interested.
    You might add a related video or a related pic or two to grab
    readers interested about everything’ve got to say.

    In my opinion, it might make your website a little bit more interesting.

    my site beard styles for black men

  19. binary options uk

    Thanks for your post on this blog site. From my own personal experience,
    there are occassions when softening upwards a photograph may provide the photography with a bit of an inspired flare.
    Many times however, this soft blur isn’t just what you had
    at heart and can sometimes spoil an otherwise good picture, especially
    if you anticipate enlarging it.

    Here is my website :: binary options uk

  20. telecharger fifa 14

    telecharger fifa 14 gratuit has a huge purpose inside National Culture.
    Many individuals is frequently noticed doing things to do related to telecharger fifa 14 gratuit.
    This really is partially mainly because individuals of
    all ages could be included in addition to individuals
    are brought jointly by means of that. Normally someone whom
    displays the hate for telecharger fifa 14 gratuit could be regarded a
    great outcast.

    Economical Components

    It’s not widespread training to help affiliate economics along
    with telecharger fifa 14
    gratuit. Usually, telecharger fifa 14 gratuit could be thought to haven’t any affect on your economy,
    but presently there are actually a number of outcomes.
    The particular gross sales marketplace connected with telecharger fifa 14 gratuit is a a couple of.
    3 billion buck a year sector as well as rising on a yearly basis.
    The uses almost one hundred and fifty, 000 men and women in the united states on it’s own.
    It will be safe and sound to say which telecharger fifa
    14 gratuit engage in an important purpose with National economics in
    addition to won’t be assumed.

    Environment Aspects

    From 3 month extended study, I have been capable of
    determine in which telecharger fifa 14 gratuit does not in a wrong way impact the earth whatsoever.
    Some sort of telecharger fifa 14 gratuit failed to seem to bring about waste materials and could hardly end up being present in woodlands, jungles, waterways, wetlands, seas, and many others…
    Actually, telecharger fifa 14 gratuit developed a number of results with our own fairly sweet small character.

    Political Elements

    Also can telecharger fifa 14 gratuit ever before affect politics.
    This past year 5 candidates operating with regard to some
    kind of place used telecharger fifa 14 gratuit since the major theme in their advertising campaign.
    An individual might believe telecharger fifa 14 gratuit would have been a
    awful subject matter to help direct some sort of campaign having, but also in actuality with
    the societal in addition to environmental result is possesses, this particular subject
    matter was able to obtain a lot of followers. These kinds of
    5 job hopefuls gone several for 5 with profitable their particular positions.

    Finish

    telecharger fifa 14 gratuit appear to be a much more crucial proven fact that the majority of
    offer credit score pertaining to. The next time you observe or
    perhaps think of telecharger fifa 14 gratuit, consider whatever
    you just study as well as recognize what is really going on.

    It’s quite possible a person underneath sought after telecharger fifa 14 gratuit prior to,
    however will certainly today begin to provide the acknowledged desired in addition to earned.

  21. Battle camp ios cheats

    I do not drop a comment, however after looking at a few of
    the responses on Looking For A Scary Movie? This Guy Has
    150 Suggestions For You Kyle Osborne\’s EntertainmentOrDie.Com.
    I actually do have a couple of questions for you if it’s allright.
    Could it be simply me or does it look like like a few of these comments look as if they are written by brain dead people?

    😛 And, if you are posting on additional places,
    I would like to keep up with you. Could you make a list of every one of all your social pages like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *