Wednesday, 13 March 2013

Iconic Directors in Horror



George Romero
George Romero, born in 1940, is a very iconic director in the horror genre. He kick started the huge usage of zombies in horror, depicting them in a way they hadn’t been considered before, as cannibalistic monsters. Every zombie horror film since has taken elements of Romero’s ideas and incorporated them into their own films. Romero uses all American themes such as loss of individuality, consumerism and authoritarianism throughout his films. Romero is most well known for his films: Night Of The Living Dead (1968), The Crazies (1973), Martin (1977), Dawn Of The Dead (1978), Day Of The Dead (1985)



Alfred Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcock, 1899-1980, was another particularly iconic director in Horror. He was often referred to as “The master of suspense” because all of his films build so much tension. He was one of the first people to direct what is now referred to as a “slasher movie”. Hitchcock’s movies were not known for their gore, but instead for their ability to manipulate the audience. His films often included plausible plots, for example ‘The Birds’ referring to nature striking back, making them even more terrifying. Alfred Hitchcock is best known for: Shadow Of A Doubt (1943), Psycho (1960, The Birds (1963)




Wes Craven

Wes Craven, born 1939, is a less iconic director to the genre of Horror, however he has created a few very iconic Horror films. He started off in the porn industry, then jumped into torture porn, kick starting his horror career. His movies sever boundaries and often depict particularly disturbing events. Craven is best known for: The Last House On The Left (1972), The Hills Have Eyes (1977), A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984), Scream (1996)

Terence Fisher
Terence Fisher, 1904-1980, directed some of the earliest iconic Horror films. Fisher was very well known for his gothic horror and was the first to create it in full colour. Terence Fisher was very bold for his times, the sexual overtones and explicit horror in his films, while mild by modern standards, was very unique and forward in his day. Terence fisher is best known for his films: The Curse Of Frankenstein (1957), Dracula (1958), The Revenge Of Frankenstein (1959), The Mummy (1959), The Brides Of  Dracula (1960), The Devil Rides Out (1968)

Steven Spielberg
Spielberg, born 1946, is again not particularly known for being an iconic horror director, however he has directed a very iconic horror film, Jaws. He has created possibly the widest range of films, from comedy, to real life. Spielberg based some of his work on Alfred Hitchcocks trying to mirror the suspense he put into his work. Spielberg is well know for his films: Schindler’s list (1993), Duel (1971), Jaws (1975), Jurassic Park (1993), Gremlins (1984)

Tobe Hooper
Tobe Hooper, born 1943, directed one of the most iconic Horror films in existence, The Texas Chainsaw massacre. He went through his career exploring the primal urges of outsiders and developing these in to complex horror story lines. Tobe Hooper is best known for his iconic horror films: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986), Poltergeist (1982), Salem’s lot (1979)

James Wan
James Wan, born 1977, is responsible for arguably the largest Horror franchises of all time, the Saw films. He directed the original Saw film and has produced the sequels. James Wan is best known for his use of gory props, often said to be tasteless and outlandish by critics, but loved by some. His story lines are complex and twisted.  James Wan is best known for: Saw (2004), Dead Silence (2007), Death Sentence (2007), Insidious (2011)

William Friedkin
William Friedkin, born 1935, is an American film director known for his horror/thriller films, in particular The Exorcist.  The Exorcist was Friedkin’s most successful film, and ended up being nominated for 10 Academy Awards. Friedkin is most well known for his films: The Exorcist (1973), The French Connection (1971), Sorcerer (1977)

Francis Ford Coppola
Francis Ford Coppola, born 1939, is again not known solely for his work in the horror genre, however has directed some iconic horror films. Coppola directed Bram Stoker's Dracula an iconic gothic horror film, combined with a bit of romance. Francis Ford Coppola is best known for his horror films: Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992), The Haunted and the Hunted (1963), The Terror (1963)

Stanley Kubrick
Stanley Kubrick, 1928-1999, is not well known for directing horror films, however directed The Shining, a very iconic horror. His methods of directing were very radical, in order to produce the desired emotions he would deliberately scare his actors/actresses whilst filming was taking place. Stanley Kubrick is best known for his iconic horror film: The Shining (1980)


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