May 14, 1944
On this day in Horror History, George Lucas was born in Modesto
California. Undoubtedly one of the most influential and celebrated
film-makers in history, Lucas has given cinema some of the most
lucrative and historically significant cult films to date. Most notable
for the timeless Star Wars Franchise, his brilliance has also blessed
such films as THX 1138 (1971), American Graffiti (1973),
Labyrinth (1986), and Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981).
Having revolutionized the Directorial and sound editing process in its
entirety, Lucas is an inspiration to those who have had the privilege of
studying and using his groundbreaking techniques, and to the millions
for the last half a century who have fallen in love with his legacy.
“A special effect is a tool, a means of telling a story. A special
effect without a story is a pretty boring thing.” –George Lucas
March 28, 1963
On this day in Horror History, Alfred Hitchcock’s classic The Birds debuted in New York City. Based on the story by Daphne Du Maurier, The Birds was the famed director’s return to film after Psycho and a 3 year hiatus while working on ‘Alfred Hitchcock Presents’. In the presence of many films playing upon the stylized approach and success of Psycho, the legendary director turned the tables on the industry and made the seemingly mundane quite terrifying. With brilliant film-making, the beauty of Tippi Hedre, and the peculiar joy that Hitchcock proved with such antics as speakers bellowing the sounds of birds outside the theatre, the cinematic masterpiece would become one of the most beloved of his career.
“I have never known birds of different species to flock together. The very concept is unimaginable. Why, if that happened, we wouldn't stand a chance! How could we possibly hope to fight them?” –Mrs. Bundy
March 27, 1963
On this day in Horror
History, Quentin Jerome Tarantino was born. A cult director responsible
for some of the most celebrated films of all time, Tarantino has given
the us such classics as Reservoir Dogs (1992), Pulp Fiction (1994),
Kill Bill (2003), and recently Django Unchained (2012). A talent that
breaks the confines of most of the industries finest, he as Directed,
Produced and Acted in countless films, even showing his childhood dream
of being a writer as he is responsible for the Screenplay of From Dusk
Till Dawn (1996) and story of Natural Born Killers (1994). In one way
or another, we have all found a connection to the violent and poetic
cinematic masterpieces blessed upon us by the film-making genius, and
for years to come Tarantino will continue to inspire and bash his
immaculately brutal wit into some of the greatest movies ever.
“Movies are my religion and God is my patron. I'm lucky enough to be in
the position where I don't make movies to pay for my pool. When I make a
movie, I want it to be everything to me; like I would die for it.” -
Quentin Tarantino
March 7, 1999
On this day in Horror
History, the world lost Stanley Kubrick. Perhaps one of the most
influential and visionary film-makers of all time, Kubrick’s brilliance
poured into ever cinematic masterpiece he ever made. Having lent his
genius to such classics as The Shining (1980), A Clockwork Orange
(1971), and Full Metal Jacket (1987), Seven of his last nine films were
nominated for Oscars and he personally was nominated for Best Director
four consecutive times.
The beauty and boundless radiance
within Kubrick and each of his films was and will always be monumental
in the hearts of those who have been captivated by his legacy. The world
was blessed to have Kubrick share himself with each of us, and through
his works we will never forget the legend of cinematic history.
“There's something inherently wrong with the human personality. There's
an evil side to it. One of the things that horror stories can do is to
show us the archetypes of the unconscious: we can see the dark side
without having to confront it directly. Also, ghost stories appeal to
our craving for immortality. If you can be afraid of a ghost, then you
have to believe that a ghost may exist. And if a ghost exists, then
oblivion might not be the end.” –Stanley Kubrick
Part 2
March 7, 1933
On this day in Horror History, King Kong premiered in New York City at
the Radio City Music Hall. The timeless classic that had went through
countless name changes during production including "The Beast”, "The
Eighth Wonder", "The Ape", "King Ape" and "Kong", has become a vivid and
immortal piece of cinematic history. King Kong, one of the most
lucrative films of RKO Radio Pictures catalog,
was also credited as the film that would ultimately save the company
from bankruptcy during the great depression, and would hold many records
with box office sales that would dwarf other blockbusters for decades
to come.
As for our legendary giant gorilla, brought to the
forsaken city of New York... It was his roar which was a lion's and a
tiger's roar combined and run backwards that would captivate audiences
from around the globe, even becoming the favorite film of Adolf Hitler.
From a time when it was mandated that every movie monster had to die by
the end of the film, the 40 lives that were lost by the misunderstood
monster and the tragic fate that would befall him will always be one of
the most adored films of all time.
“And now, ladies and
gentlemen, before I tell you any more, I'm going to show you the
greatest thing your eyes have ever beheld. He was a king and a god in
the world he knew, but now he comes to civilization merely a captive - a
show to gratify your curiosity. Ladies and gentlemen, look at Kong, the
Eighth Wonder of the World. “ -Carl Denham
