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HORRORHOUND #24
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Promoter Rusty Nails comes through once again and brings Chicagoland another
great film festival. While this one didn't run as long as last year's
Terror in the Aisles, that didn't stop him from making it one hell of an event.
There were only 3 feature length films playing, along with a couple of
interesting short films and other fun entertainment. And even not having
a long time to promote it either, it was great to see the horror community band
together to get the word out about this event, and then also show up for one
hell of an evening. We couldn't believe how big the line was, and how
quickly it grew before the doors opened.
The first feature film screening was the one and only and original Evil Dead. There's nothing like seeing that film on the big screen, and according to makeup man Tom Sullivan, in the correct aspect ratio. Mr. Sullivan was there with his traveling Evil Dead roadshow, greeting tons of fans. Some of the work that Sullivan did all those years ago still is as effective today as it was back in 1981 when it first came out. Sullivan also did a brief Q&A session after the screening, but we missed getting in there for that, so unfortunately we don't have any pics of that. While most know Tom's work from the movie, if you can a chance to take a look at some of his non-Evil Dead artwork, a lot of it being based on the work of H.P. Lovecraft, it really is amazing stuff. We have picked up several pieces from him over the years, and we suggest you do as well.
The next film was another film from 1981, the original My Bloody
Valentine. But this time, the film was shown in it's uncut director's
version, which features all the gore that was edited out (with what seems like
chainsaw). This version has all the bloody good fun put back in and it is
worth the wait. Director George Mihalka came out after the film for
a Q&A, run by author Adam Rockoff. As with a lot of these filmmakers, they
have no idea that a film they made so long ago still has a strong fan base.
So when asked if he ever thought he would be at some film fest close to 30 years
later talking about this movie, he was blown away. So it gives me a lot of
pride knowing that it's the die hard horror fans like us that are keeping
these films alive. And having the director be able to come out and witness
it, makes it even better.
And lastly, the third and final film to be shown was one that has been building a pretty big buzz over the last couple of years, especially in the last 6 months. The film is Trick 'r Treat, written and directed by Michael Dougherty. I was pretty nervous going into this film with my expectations so high. I had not heard anything about this movie other than how incredible it was. When the bar is set that high, it's pretty tough to hit it. But thankfully, the film hit the high mark and beyond. It was so refreshing to see a good old fashion Halloween movie that really dealt with the holiday. Plus, it was an interesting way to make an anthology film, but intertwine the stories together so it seemed like all one big movie with a continuing theme. We don't want to give anything away, but I think that most horror fans, and regular movie fans will enjoy the hell out of this film when it comes out on DVD this October.
So once again, major kudos out to Rusty Nails for making this happen, as well as all the people that pitched in to help make it happen. From WildClaw Theatre for running the box office and other duties (especially our buddy AC), to all the artists, dealers, and all the websites out there that helped spread the word to let people know about this. And most importantly to all the fans that came out to help celebrate what it means to be a horror movie fan! If we can keep this up, we can show them just how strong the horror community in Chicagoland area is. And I know in October at the Music Box Massacre 5 happens (on October 10th), all of these people will do it all over once again.
PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS
GEORGE MIHALKA
MICHAEL DOUGHERTY
