Author:James Marriott
From the Slick horror of Alien, Scream and The Ring and the cult classics Dracula, Frankenstein and The Mummy to the slasher icons Jason, Freddy and Leatherface, horror just won’t stay dead. The genre has earned its place in the moviegoing psyche, with many of the key films spawning numerous copycats. But what are the 20 most influential horror films of all time? And what made them so important?
James Marriott give an incisive account of the definitive works (and the most influential directors) of the genre over the last 80 years – from silent Expressionist classics to Japanese wraiths. The book reveals the inspiration behind each film and examines the choice of director, cast, soundtrack and marketing. Marriott analyzes the critical reception of each film and examines the subsequent impact on the industry and the public worldwide.
[An] outstanding filmmaker biography... Deconstructs the French comedian-auteur as if he were an intricate human clock mechanism, which in some ways he was
—— Nigel Andrews , Financial TimesThe best of the year’s biographies...David Bellos examines with perception and style how the creator of Monsieur Hulot staked a legitimate claim in a rapidly changing medium to the mantle once worn by Chaplin and Keaton
—— John Coldstream , Daily TelegraphElegantly written and illustrated, brilliantly illuminating about the work... this is a book of which Jacques Tati, who was extremely proud of his work but never thought much of himself, would surely approve
—— Margot Norman , Literary ReviewThis splendidly illustrated book pays a handsome tribute to a comic creator whose craft was an art which turned a delight in human absurdity into the most accessible form of sanity
—— David Coward , Times Literary SupplementA witty, well-informed collection of fact and anecdote, full of fascinating bits and pieces
—— UncutGoddard widens his previous book's mixture of detail and passionate celebration to Morrissey's entire aesthetic universe
—— Dave Hill , The Guardian