Tag Archives: Halloween

Bonus Song of the Day: Mr. Sandman by The Chordettes

Posted on by Lisa Marie Bowman

Thanks to the one and only John Carpenter, the version of this sweet little song that The Chordettes recorded in the 1950s will be forever associated with the Night He Came Home.  Sadly, none of the Chordettes are with us anymore and I haven’t been able to find any interviews about how they felt about their song of teenage love being used in Halloween.

I’d like to think they would have appreciated it.  Michael Myers may not have had hair like Liberace but he did have a mask that looked a lot like William Shatner.

 

Horror Scenes That I Love: Dan O’Herlihy Tells Us What Halloween is All About in Halloween III: Season of the Witch

Posted on by Lisa Marie Bowman

Tonight’s horror scene that I love is from the 1982 film, Halloween III: Season of the Witch, a film that has finally started to be recognized for being the horror classic that it is.

In this scene, Conal Cochran (Dan O’Herlihy) explains not only the origins of Halloween but he also discusses how he’s going to make Halloween great again.  This scene is probably the best in the film and it’s almost entirely due to O’Herlihy’s wonderfully menacing performance as Conal Cochran.

“….and happy Halloween.”

Horror Scenes I Love: Donald Pleasence in Halloween

Posted on by Lisa Marie Bowman

Yesterday was the 105th anniversary of the birth of the great actor Donald Pleasence.

(I know that may sound like a wordy way to say “birthday” but I always find it awkward to refer to those who are no longer with us as having a birthday.)

We can’t let October pass without paying tribute to Pleasence.  Here is in 1978’s Halloween, playing the role for which he was best-known amongst horror fans.

6 Things To Which I Am Looking Forward In October

Posted on by Lisa Marie Bowman

Welcome to October!  October is a big month here at the Shattered Lens.  It’s the month when we devote the majority of our time to the horror genre.  It’s time for our annual Horrorthon!  Last year, we had a record number of Horrorthon posts.  I’d love to that record this year but mostly. I just want this year’s Horrothon for both our writers and our readers!

Here’s what I’m looking forward to in October!

  1. Anora — Sean Baker’s latest film may not be a horror film but it’s still the October film to which I’m most looking forward to.  A hit on the festival circuit, the early word is that Anora is going to be one of this year’s major Oscar contenders.
  2. The Horror Movies On TCM — TCM never lets me down in October.  I can’t wait to binge all of the classic horror that will be aired this month.
  3. Joker: Folie a Deux — This film is one of the big question marks on the upcoming calendar.  When I first heard that the sequel to Joker would be a musical, I thought it sounded like a disastrous idea.  But the early word has been that Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga both give excellent performance and that the sequel is worthy follow-up to first film.  We’ll find out in just a few more days!
  4. Terrifier 3 — Art the Clown is one of the scariest villains around.  Terrifier gave me nightmares.  Terrifier 2 was overlong but well-made.  I’ll be interested to see what happens with the third film.  If nothing else, I appreciate that the Terrifier films are unapologetic about being the type of films that they are.  It takes courage to fully embrace a genre that hasn’t always been accepted by the mainstream.
  5. Conclave — This is another film that’s expected to be an Oscar contender.  Based on what I’ve heard about the film’s plot, I’m not as enthusiastic about this film as some people are.  But I do always look forward to seeing a good Ralph Fiennes performance and the word is that he’s excellent in this film.
  6. Halloween — It’s my favorite holiday!  I can’t wait to see all the decorations, all the parties, and all the costumes!

October’s going to be a great month and those of us at TSL can’t wait to celebrate it with you!  What are you looking forward to in October?

6 Shots From 6 Films: Special John Carpenter Edition

Posted on by Lisa Marie Bowman

4 Or More Shots From 4 Or More Films is just what it says it is, 4 shots from 4 of our favorite films. As opposed to the reviews and recaps that we usually post, 4 Shots From 4 Films lets the visuals do the talking!

Today, the Shattered Lens wishes a happy 76th birthday to one of this site’s favorite filmmakers and a patron saint of the independent spirit, the great John Carpenter!

In honor of the man and his legacy, here are….

6 Shots From 6 John Carpenter Films

Assault on Precinct 13 (1976, dir by John Carpenter. DP: Douglas Knapp)

Halloween (1977, dir by John Carpenter, DP: Dean Cundey)

Escape From New York (1981, dir by John Carpenter, DP: Dean Cundey)

The Thing (1982, dir by John Carpenter, DP: Dean Cundey)

Big Trouble in Little China (1986, dir by John Carpenter, DP: Dean Cundey)

They Live (1988, dir by John Carpenter, DP: Gary B. Kibbe)

Another Halloween Has Come and Gone

Posted on by Dazzling Erin

Another Halloween has come and gone and another Horrorthon has come to a close.  We hope you have had a wonderful October and that the Thanksgiving month brings you much to be grateful for!

And remember, just because you didn’t see the Great Pumpkin this year, doesn’t mean that he won’t be there for you next October.  As always, Linus puts it best:

To all of our readers and from all of your friends at the Shattered Lens, thank you.

Horror on the Lens: Night of the Living Dead (dir by George Romero)

Posted on by Lisa Marie Bowman

Happy Halloween everyone!

Well, as another horrorthon draws to a close, it’s time for another Shattered Lens tradition!  Every Halloween, we share one of the greatest and most iconic horror films ever made.  For your Halloween enjoyment, here is George Romero’s Night of the Living Dead!

(Be sure to read Arleigh’s equally famous review!)