French horror is taking over
It seems that some of the best horror films coming out these days – the ones willing to take risks and aren’t as concerned with bankable formulas – are French. The one I’m currently following with rapt attention is Martyrs, directed by Pascal Laugier. It looks very dark, in terms of thematic material.
Some French films I’ve been pleasantly surprised by in the past include: À l’intérieur (Inside), a hyper-violent film that evolves from a subdued home-invasion flick into a theatrical gorefest. Ils (Them), another, clever home-invasion flick with (dare I say it?) endearing protagonists. (This one is constantly compared to The Strangers, and is, in my opinion, infinitely superior.) Haute Tension (High Tension), a bizarre psychology-driven slasher.
I couldn’t agree more! In fact on my own page (www.frightflicks.blogspot.com), I have a very similar take on the phenomenon (without the groovy video). I’m amazed at how the French seemed to wake up one day prior to Haute Tension and simply decided to do the most aggressive horror flicks of this generation. Martyrs looks promising, as well, and I look forward to seeing how this trend plays out, or if it will be another J-Horror wave where we all decide enough with the spooky kids.
man everytime i roll my cursor over the rss for this post i think it says “french horn is taking over.” i guess we should all be thankful that i am dyslexic. i for one cannot imagine a world in which the french horn rules over anything (except maybe “lame symphonic instruments.”)
suspense + charlotte gainsbourg deliciousness = Lemming
a not so scary but interesting take on the traditional zombie film = Les Revenants
I too had noticed what you mentioned about Frenchie films. Must be true!
I’ll have to check those out. I have a crush on that Charlotte Gainsbourg–she’s nice hair.