Monday, November 09, 2015

Fiona Dodwell's Top 10 Horror Films




I've had a love of the horror genre since I was a child – when I would sneak away copies of my brother's horror films and watch them, away from the anxious glare of disapproving parents. I simply cannot remember a time when I did not love horror, both in film and in literature. It has remained for me one of my biggest passions, and to this day, going to the cinema to watch a new horror release still gives me a huge buzz. I'm all about the horror!

To celebrate the release of my latest novella, Nails (which is available on Amazon worldwide) I have come up with my top 10 horror films. So sit back and enjoy. I'd love to know which films you love or hate -  perhaps comment below. I'd love to hear from you.



1)     The Exorcist

Few can argue that this movie – as well as the book  - has had a huge impact on the horror genre. I saw The Exorcist when I was 16 years old, and instantly fell in love with the story. The transformation of Regan into the demonic entity really terrified and transfixed me. Despite the age of the movie, with certain outdated make-up and effects, I still find the movie compelling and feel it  worthy of being listed as my all-time favourite.




2)     Insidious

 I've watched all three of the Insidious series of movies, and I do like each of them, but I particularly love the first one. I enjoyed the unique way that the 'after-life' was presented, and thought the film carried with it a very deep sense of unease. I've seen this movie several times since it's original release, and I still find it creepy.





3)     Blair Witch Project


Found-footage horror movies aren't for everybody, but I absolutely love them. I consider The Blair Witch Project to be the finest example of the found-footage subgenre, and I think this film is masterfully written and directed. The acting feels genuine, extremely authentic, and the creeping sense of unease really sticks with me when I watch this. I will always have a love for this film, and I also believe it to be a key title in horror over recent years.



4)     Annabelle

Do dolls frighten you? Let's face it, some dolls simply are creepy. I own all of the Child's Play movies – and like them all – but nothing quite gets me as much as Annabelle. This film really achieves its goal by heightening tension without actually showing anything overt about the doll itself. If a doll coming to life seems stupid, then the Annabelle movie might change your mind. I think the team behind this title really managed to pull it off – and let's not forget that terrifying elevator scene!


5)     Rosemary's Baby


Some of the most classic and endearing titles of horror originate back in the 60's and 70's. Rosemary's Baby is one such classic, and I adore this movie. Centred around a young married couple who find themselves under the influence of occult powers, this story packs a very powerful punch. Despite its age, this movie hasn't dated badly at all.




6)     The Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh


Yes, there are old classics, then there are the movies we believe will one day become future classics. I'm not sure if The Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh will become a classic – but I do believe it SHOULD be. I think this film is beautifully written and acted. Actor Aaron Poole carries almost all of the the movie himself, and does so with finesse. This film centres on a young man who stays at his mother's house after her death, to sort through her belongings. What happens as he spends the night there is sure to chill even the most hardened horror fan.



7)     The Conspiracy

I love conspiracy theories. Many of us do. But what if the deepest, darkest conspiracy of them all turns out to be true? That's what this found-footage horror films explores – and with such impact that it had people searching online to see if it was in fact real. This film delivers the scares and the atmosphere without a doubt.



8)     Tale of Two Sisters

 This Asian film – with subtitles – is extremely unsettling and very unique. It is hard to compare it to anything else. It follows the relationship of two adolescent sisters and the darkness that follows them. Is something haunting them? This movie is absolutely breathtaking in its cinematography and second to none in the creepiness factor. I highly recommend it.



9)     Orphan


You adopt a beautiful young girl into your family – strange things start happening. Why? What is wrong with her? This film delivers such a twist, it will leave you in shock. I never saw the ending coming! The cast is beautifully filled, and the story itself extremely unnerving. There is lots of blood and gore in this one!




10) The Ring


There are two versions of this film, the Japanese original, and the USA version which followed some years later. I know my opinion may not be the popular one, but I prefer the US version starring Naomi Watts. Most of you will recognise the story – you find an old VHS tape, you watch it, and then you are cursed. You are given 7 days to live. The premise is basic, but I really enjoy this film. It has a steady sense of dread throughout and I think it will remain one of my all-time favourites.




Nails
Fiona Dodwell

Genre: Paranormal

Date of Publication: 13th October 2015

Number of pages: 60 pages
Word Count: 25,000 (Novella)

Cover Artist: Atrtink

Book Description:

Carla Bracken knew she needed a change, a new start. Moving to Moorelands Close was supposed to be the beginning of something bigger and better, so when things start to take a sinister turn in her new home, she tries to explain it away.

However, she cannot ignore the mounting horror she experiences behind closed doors. What is the dark history behind her new home, and can she stop the unfolding terror in its tracks before it's too late?



About the Author:

Fiona is represented by Media Bitch Literary Agency, and is the author of three full length horror novels. She writes freelance for several paranormal magazines, including Supernatural Magazine and Paranormal Underground. She is a big fan of all things horror, and has studied Exorcism and Demonology. In her spare time, she attends paranormal investigations and works for a care charity. Her latest release, Nails, is now available on Amazon.


Twitter: Angel_Devil982


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