SCREAM: The Inside Story

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCREAM Trailer (1996)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, LURKERS!!! As promised, I have 1 of SCREAM's recent documentaries.

Several times, I have heard that SCREAM revived not only the Slasher sub-genre, but also the Horror genre. During the early '90s, I had no idea that the Horror genre was on life support. It was probably because I was always watching Horror films and TV shows growing up.

After I recently learned, that most Horror films were sent directly to videotapes, I was surprised. Thank the media watchdog groups, Christian zealots, and movie critics such as Siskel and Ebert.

These self-righteous zealots always condemned and demonized movies by using them as scapegoats rather than blaming adults for not educating and parenting their own children.

The demonization led to Horror filmmakers sending their movies directly to video. Most Horror filmmakers did not want to be blamed every second for murders and attempted murders.

The media watchdog groups, Christian zealots, and ignorant movie critics FAIL to realize that SOME books, movies, and shows are created by writers, who are inspired by watching violent news reports.

Besides the fact, that Slashers have always been controversial, it has often been debated, who created the Slasher sub-genre. Most Horror buffs claim, that John Carpenter's 1978 film, Halloween gave birth to Slashers.

Some other buffs claim it was Alfred Hitchcock's Thriller, Psycho in 1960. However, Christmas Slashers launched, during the early 1970's; They were created 4-6 years, before the creation of Halloween.

Silent Night, Bloody Night was a 1972 Christmas Slasher, which sat on the shelf for 2 years. It wasn't released in the movie theaters, until 1974.

October 11, 1974, Canada released Bob Clark's Christmas Slasher, Silent Night, Evil Night.

Silent Night, Evil Night is also known as Stranger In The House and Black Christmas. Silent Night, Evil Night is mostly known as Black Christmas.

Just to let you know, Bob Clark was the exact same filmmaker, who created the 1983 movie, A Christmas Story. You know that movie TBS marathons every Christmas? Clark created those 2 movies literally 9 years apart from each other.

With that being said, Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho technically gave birth to Slashers in 1960 whereas Wes Craven revived the sub-genre by releasing SCREAM in 1996.

I reiterate that SCREAM not only revived Slashers, but also Horror in general, during the mid to late 1990's. I was only 14 years old, when the original SCREAM released in the movie theaters. 

Every time I watched TV, the networks were always advertising different SCREAM commercials.

In fact, MTV advertised the Slasher, while Republica's music video for "Drop Dead Gorgeous" played in the background.

Republica "Drop Dead Gorgeous" SCREAM's Commercial Theme Song (1996)

Strangely enough, Republica did NOT make it onto the original SCREAM Soundtrack. Although, "Drop Dead Gorgeous" was played in the movie.

I have explained enough for the time being. Here's the documentary, SCREAM: The Inside Story.

SCREAM: The Inside Story (2011)

Since there will not be a Song Saturday blog tomorrow, I have a bonus song for you. It's another song that was actually on the original SCREAM Soundtrack. 

Anyway, here's Sister Machine Gun's "Better Than Me."

Sister Machine Gun "Better Than Me" SCREAM Soundtrack (1996)

 

I wish you a SCARY Halloween!

*SHUDDER* Is That THE ORIGINAL Jason Vorhees From Friday The 13th?!

Friday the 13th "He's Still There" Scene (1980)

How's it going lurkers? Tomorrow will be Halloween! 

These next 2 days, I have Halloween treats for you! As you already know, I belong to the Horror-Punks Community. It is safe to say that most of us Horror-Punkers are always busy on and offline.

Marquis DeBlood (the website founder and owner of Horror-Punks.com) has always been the most supportive of us all. Since I don't fall asleep until literally after sunrise, I wonder how many hours of sleep he gets regularly. (My mother mostly complains about my Vampire Sleeping Hours.) 

As I was saying... Marquis DeBlood is the website owner and manager of Horror-Punks.com, a writer at Into The Arms Of Death, vocalist for the band Others, and the host of The Horror Of It All.

Speaking of The Horror Of It All, it showcases the ghoulish events and the people behind the events in the Binghamton, NY Area. Today's early Halloween treat is Ari Lehman's interview with Lord Marquis DeBlood.

In case you are unfamiliar with the name, Ari Lehman was THE ORIGINAL "Jason Vorhees" in the 1980 Slasher, Friday the 13th. 

In this interview with host Marquis DeBlood, Ari talks about Friday The 13th and his band, First Jason. Their interview is soon followed by a live performance of the song, "Victim" at Fitzies Irish Pub located in Binghamton, NY.

Ari Lehman's Interview With Marquis DeBlood/First Jason Performs "Victim" (2014)

 

Tomorrow, I'll be back with the Slasher Horror documentary, SCREAM: The Inside Story!

Why Are Some People Coulrophobic?

DISCLAIMER: Today's blog contains clowns.

 

Poltergeist: Clown Scene (1982)

How's it going lurkers? If you have been watching or listening to the latest in the news, some people have been playing killer clown pranks on others. As the days go by, I keep reading and hearing about coulrophobic people.

Coulrophobia is having a fear of clowns.

Surprisingly, coulrophobia has existed for decades. As long as I can remember, my youngest aunt (she's 7 years older than me) has been scared of clowns, since the movie, Poltergeist. Poltergeist released in theaters June 4, 1982.

That was literally 10 days before I was born.

Like I already said, the clown in Poltergeist somewhat caused my aunt to become coulrophobic. However, I don't believe her coulrophobia is as debilitating as others.

Some people seriously have a debilitating fear of clowns. Most coulrophobics are scared of the Auguste Clowns.

Auguste Clowns are the clowns with red noses and crazy-looking hair.

I mainly discussed this issue on Adult Swim. A poster mentioned, that John Wayne Gacy contributed to coulrophobia.

Gacy was a serial killer/rapist dressed as a clown, during the 1970's in Chicago, IL.

The Adult Swim poster, who I talked to made a valid point, that highly supports coulrophobia.

I feel that Horror Movies, Horrorcore rappers, and Shock Metal bands such as Insane Clown Posse and Slipknot, for example contributed to their fair share of coulrophobia within the last 2-3 decades.

I'm not demonizing them. I'm only stating my observations.

Horror Movie Auguste Clowns

Pennywise The Clown from Stephen King's It most definitely made his contribution to coulrophobia. 

Almost everyone I've talked to about their fear of clowns is quick to name drop Pennywise. The latest addition to coulrophobia happens to be Twisty The Clown from American Horror Story: Freak Show.

Professional Scary Clowns Upset With American Horror Story’s Scary Clown

After reading the preceding article regarding Glenn Kohlberger's anger towards the demonization of clowns, I couldn't help laughing. Clowns of America's president is upset about clowns being portrayed as serial killers.

So far, there appears to be an increasing number of adults and children, who dislike clowns. Supposedly, movies about killer clowns have traumatized the most recent generations. Some coulrophobics claim they fear what is HIDDEN under the masks.

My youngest aunt especially claims, that a clown's physical appearance looks suspicious and abnormal.

Translation: They are social deviants; Clowns look like complete freaks and she doesn't trust them.

I was never coulrophobic growing up. Then again, I have been a Horror fan, since my childhood. In order to understand how horrific coulrophobia can be for some, here's an old clip from a documentary about a coulrophobic woman.

A Severely Coulrophobic Woman

This phobia seems hilarious, if not ridiculous to the rest of us. Although, this can't be said to those struggling with coulrophobia.

Coulrophobia can be as debilitating as being arachnophobic (being scared of spiders). I was really surprised to learn, that Johnny Depp and Sean "Puff Daddy/P. Diddy" Combs are coulrophobics.

I was more surprised about Johnny Depp than P. Diddy, considering all the creepy and social deviant roles that Johnny has played within the last 1-3 decades. Well, you learn something new everyday.

Last week, I Googled coulrophobia and stumbled upon websites regarding people's fear of clowns. In fact, there is a website specifically called, Coulrophobia Facts. 

The website gives readers a better understanding about having a fear of clowns in detail.

Coulrophobia Facts lists the different types of clowns, the history of coulrophobia, and gives suggestions about how to overcome the fear.

If you want to learn more about coulrophobia, the link is above.

Anyway, since today's blog is about CLOWNS and Halloween is creeping around the corner, I have a music video for you called "Proud As Punch" by Fear Incorporated. I'm so sadistic.

Fear Incorporated "Proud As Punch" Dark Carnival (2014)

Cartoon Sunday: Stalker From The Cornfield

How's it going lurkers? I have watched my fair share of animation, this weekend. Earlier, I finished watching Hellsing Ultimate OVA 4 on Adult Swim. 

It has been a few years, since I last streamed this particular OVA. I paid very close attention to that scene between Sir Integra and Seras Victoria. I believe Integra found sadomasochistic PLEASURE in Seres tasting her blood.

Hellsing Ultimate OVA 4 "Seres Victoria Tastes Sir Integra's Blood" (2008)

Is it just me or does this scene appear as sexually suggestive?

I am most definitely sensing more than a blood lust between these 2 characters. Later, I need to start a discussion about this scene on Adult Swim.

Before watching my usual shows on the Swimnami Toonami block hours ago, I YouTubed a few Animated Horror Shorts. Some shorts were alright and some were phenomenal. 

So far, I really enjoyed watching Memoria, Stalker From The Cornfield, and Who's Hungry?

Out of those 3 shorts, I currently love Benjamin Oke's Stalker From The Cornfield the most. Stalker From The Cornfield is a Horror Stop-Motion Animated Short about a married couple.

This nuclear family is being stalked by an emotionally disturbed woman, who works alongside them in the cornfields. Whenever the couple shares tender moments, the stalker reacts violently.

I feel the stalker is jealous, bitter, and miserable. I don't know if she is holding a grudge against the husband because he probably dumped or rejected her, or if she is the wife's frenemy.

Maybe the stalker is sociopathic and bitter for not having a happy, loving, nuclear family. Anything is possible.

There is definitely a reason(s) for the stalker's violent behavior. Regardless, she wants to murder someone in the family. The stalker is probably angry at the wife about something.

Even though Stalker From The Cornfield was from 5 years ago, Benjamin Oke did a fantastic job of creating it. I can't help enjoying this short because the content is right up my alley.

Oke looks like he spent a lot of time creating Stalker From The Cornfield. This short could've aired on Adult Swim. 

Then again, Stalker From The Cornfield puts most of Adult Swim's original animation to shame.

Intelligent Adult Swim viewers and posters like yours truly already understand what I'm saying.

I may enjoy watching some of Adult Swim's original animated shorts, however most of their animation is terrible. Squidbillies is only naming 1 example.

Squidbillies Promo (2012)

Talk about dumbing down the younger generation and insulting every American's intelligence. 

Anyway, for this Cartoon Sunday, here is Stalker From The Cornfield by Benjamin Oke.

Stalker From The Cornfield (2009)

Song Saturday: The Nameless Wretch [Double Dose]

How's it going lurkers? Last weekend, I said I planned on sharing some darker content for Halloween Season. Today, I have music from a Horror-Punks friend; He belongs to the Horror-Punks Community.

My friend, Charlie JJ Kruger is a Film/Music/Art Critic at Horror-Punks.com. He's also an author and a musician with a band called, The Nameless Wretch. 

Earlier this week, I had a brief conversation with Kruger about his band on Horror-Punks. The Nameless Wretch is a Post-Punk/Hardcore/Drone/Shoegaze band from Olympia, Washington. 

Fugazi, Samhain, David Bowie, Brian Eno, and The Deftones are some of the band's musical influences.

The Nameless Wretch has a full length, 13-track album titled, What Are Heroes? 3 of the 13 songs on What Are Heroes? have been featured in movies. That's along with being aired on radio stations and podcasts.

When asking Charlie JJ Kruger to explain more in detail about The Nameless Wretch, he mostly wanted my opinion about their music rather than him always having to regurgitate his own.

"My feelings are in the music. My opinions and the things I think are important are all layered in there. So, once the song is out, I have kinda said all I have to say about it," he said to yours truly.

As soon as I listened to "Puzzlecutter" and "Living Water," both songs automatically gave me really dark and ominous mental images. They sound like they belong on a Horror soundtrack. 

"Puzzlecutter" is currently my favorite song from The Nameless Wretch. It really sucks me in. I can feel the vibrations of the guitar riffs through my entire body, which is something I have NOT  said about any band's music in years.

I imagine a Slasher Horror "heroine" in Fight-Or-Flight Mode. With "Puzzlecutter" playing as the movie score, she screams as she runs through an ominous dark forest. The heroine is searching for a friend after being separated.

Eventually, they both reunite and try escaping a serial killer. He is chasing them with a chainsaw in his bloody hands. The 2 characters conveniently find a boat in a bloody lake or river and dive into it. "Living Water" continues playing, while they row away from the serial killer.

As both continue rowing, another deranged character simultaneously reaches out his/her hand from the bloody lake or river. Everybody screams and the boat topples. "Living Water" continues to segue into the movie's credits.

Okay, maybe I have watched too many Slashers. Yes, I know. I have such a dark and disturbing imagination.

This could explain why some people think I'm so creepy, besides the sound of my laugh.

If you want to learn more about Charlie JJ Kruger and his band, The Nameless Wretch, you can visit his YouTube channel.

Anyway, this Song Saturday, I have "Puzzlecutter" and "Living Water" by The Nameless Wretch.

1) The Nameless Wretch "Puzzlecutter" What Are Heroes? (2013)

2) The Nameless Wretch "Living Water" What Are Heroes? (2013)

Cartoon Sunday: Bleach's Pilot

How's it going lurkers? Last week, I read about Adult Swim shafting Bleach. 

The Anime is inching towards its series finale, in a matter of 4 more episodes. Dragon Ball Kai will be Bleach's replacement and the network isn't planning on syndicating it.

Adult Swim NEVER aired Bleach's OVA's and the "Shinigami's Cup" shorts. The network has only premiered 2 Bleach movies. 

Meanwhile, Cowboy Bebop, Inuyasha, Ghost In The Shell, etc. have been played up the ass beyond a decade. 

Bleach has been a perennial Adult Swim Anime, since 2006. It premiered in Japan 2 years prior. 

Before Adult Swim re-branded late Saturday nights and early Sunday mornings as "Toonami," Bleach and other Adult Swim Anime had better treatment. 

Now that the "Toonami" branding exists on Adult Swim rather than on Cartoon Network, the commercial breaks are longer. This is along with the rest of us viewers having our intelligence insulted by watching some patronizing CGI robot and his talking computer patronize us ADULT VIEWERS about not being a "hater." 

In between patronizing adult veteran viewers, Toonami follows it up with predominantly Shonen Jump Action Anime, American Cartoons for prepubescent boys, and video games.

Okay, I will watch Shonen Jump Action Anime, but I do NOT give 2 flying fat fucks about all that other useless, patronizing, bullshit.

I understand that networks must air commercials. Most networks including Adult Swim need money. However, I am NOT some prepubescent boy watching Adult Swim. The Toonami sycophants will justify, that Toonami paved the way for Adult Swim, Anime, etc. Yes, that's close enough.

All the while, NOT every Anime viewer watched everything on the original Toonami. Toonami was NOT every Anime fan's "Gateway To Anime."

Some of us older Anime viewers began watching Anime YEARS before Cartoon Network was ever created. It was not until Sailor Moon, that I began watching Cartoon Network's Toonami. 

Then, I stopped watching Toonami, until Naruto premiered in 2005.

In 2005, I was in my college senior year. I still didn't care about a CGI robot and his talking computer introducing shows and video games to me. All I cared and still do care about is watching my shows. I became more interested in other Adult Swim Anime.

Fooly Cooly, Full Metal Alchemist, Cowboy Bebop, Inuyasha, and Ghost In The Shell were certain shows I did NOT watch. 

The preceding Adult Swim shows never held my interest, and their Otaku/Weeaboo sycophants at 2 of my colleges aggravated the hell out of me. Anime fans of said ilk made other fans (including me) feel ashamed to love Anime.

They acted pretentious and immature about liking Japanese animation and culture. Those are 2 main reasons why potential fans refuse to like Anime.

I always read and hear about us Bleach fans being annoying. Honestly, I find those fan bases I previously mentioned to typically be really annoying.

There will always be those few stupid and obnoxious fans, who ruin a movie, show, or music genre for everyone.

Like I was saying, I originally watched Adult Swim for American cartoons, which were specifically for adults and other Anime. Scryed, Case Closed, Bleach, Trinity Blood, Code Geass, and Death Note are only naming some of my favorite Adult Swim Anime. 

After all those shows and several others ended, Bleach still premiered in America every Saturday night for these last 8 years.

Bleach's finale is approaching yet Adult Swim refuses to re-air the series from the very beginning, after it ends. The network over played all those other worn out shows and continues to do so. Talk about pandering and with double standards!

Even if Adult Swim refuses to re-air Bleach from the beginning, the network could at least air its OVA's and other movies, before shafting it and us Bleach fans for Dragon Ball Kai. 

Don't even get me started on those obnoxious Dragon Ball fanboys and girls. I am sorry, if you are a fan and happen to read this blog, but the Dragon Ball fans are WAY more obnoxious than us Bleach fans.

Throughout the last 8 years, I have enjoyed watching Bleach because I was able to sympathize and empathize with the characters, including the protagonist Ichigo Kurosaki. Originally, the series was about him.

In the beginning, Ichigo Kurosaki was a 15-year-old high school student, who could see ghosts/spirits. This included his ability to see the Shinigami (meaning "Death God" in Japanese), Rukia Kuchiki. She had to transfer her Shinigami powers to Ichigo, in order to save his family and friends from Hollows.

Hollows are soul-eating spirits.

Then, Ichigo and Rukia began solving mysteries in regards to Hollows. Later, the other Shinigami, Renji Abarai and Byakuya Kuchiki (Rukia's brother-in-law) retrieved Rukia and returned to the Soul Society with her.

Rukia was suppose to be executed because it was illegal for a Shinigami to transfer his/her powers to a living person.

Long story short, Ichigo and his friends rescued Rukia. Eventually, Bleach progressed into numerous arcs.

I can sympathize and empathize with Ichigo mostly because he has the ability to see ghosts. I am always amazed, that some religious zealots do NOT  believe in ghosts. 

I can understand Atheists not believing in ghosts. Although, I NEVER understood why certain religious zealots (generally speaking and acknowledging other religious groups) don't believe in ghosts. This can most definitely be said about some Christian zealots.

We are praying to spirits. How can we NOT believe in them?

Before I started having my own premonitions and getting death warnings from ghosts, as an adult, I always believed in them. 

I know cynics and skeptics will read today's blog, roll their eyes, and say, "Whatever! You're crazy. It's all in your head." No, this is NOT  "all in my head." Sometimes ghosts visit me, in order to prepare me for a death in the family or another person's death.

Last Sweetest Day for example, a ghost's shadow appeared outside my bedroom window. Suddenly, it dissipated into thin air! The day after, 1 of my great-aunts died from Breast Cancer. On October 19th, it will be 1 year since her demise.

So, this Cartoon Sunday, I have Bleach's pilot both in Japanese with English subtitles and in English dub.

Can you or can you not handle watching Anime in Japanese with English subtitles? The choice is yours. 

Anyway, here is Bleach from the very beginning.

Bleach Season 1: Episode 1 "The Day I Became A Shinigami" [Japanese] (2004)

Bleach Season 1: Episode 1 "The Day I Became A Shinigami" [English] (2006)

Let me know what you think!

Song Saturday: Lords Of Acid's Horror Movie

How's it going lurkers? You know what time it is? There are 4 more weeks, until Halloween! Too bad the holiday won't be on a weekend.

The best part about Halloween Season is getting in the mood to watch Horror.

Well, that's the case for me, at least. It's not like I'm a little girl anymore. I cannot go trick-or-treating or participate in Halloween Parades, anymore. 

Growing up, my elementary schools used to annually hold Halloween Parades.

Our families watched and attended our elementary school parades, as we wore our costumes. As soon as our parades were over, we returned to our classrooms and had parties. Those were good times! I don't think any Milwaukee Public Schools allow Halloween parades or parties, anymore. 

Everything is "offensive" in today's hypersensitive, easily triggered, crybaby society.

I enjoy Halloween because it gives me more motivation to watch Horror. Sure, I can watch it anyday of the week but it's not the same.

Slasher Horror has ALWAYS been my favorite Horror sub-genre.

I can't help it. I have always enjoyed watching moral villains stalk, chase, and kill stupid and obnoxious teenagers for revenge. Slashers always made me cheer and laugh sinisterly. I know I'm not the ONLY Horror fan, who feels this way.

Some characters are too dumb and sickening to live. Sometimes I will scream at my TV, "OH, JUST DIE ALREADY! RRRRRR!!! SO DAMN ANNOYING! STUPID!"  You know what I mean?

My aggression rivals sports fans yelling at teams playing their games.

Since I am on the topic of Horror, I have Lords Of Acid's song, "Horror Movie." "Horror Movie" is a hidden track on their 3rd album, Our Little Secret. 

In case you did not already know about Lords Of Acid before today's blog, this Belgian and American Acid House/Industrial-Electro band has existed for the last 2 1/2 decades.

They originally formed in 1988 under the band name, "Digital Orgasm."

Lords Of Acid always had an extremely niche cult following and they continue to make albums. Years ago, it was almost impossible for most of their music to be aired on traditional radio stations. 

The more I think about it, I'm unsure if UW-Parkside's 101.7 WIPZ owned their earlier albums, Lust and Voodoo-U.

Lords of Acid's music was always "tongue-in-cheek" but their lyrics were still REALLY sexually explicit and filled with drug references. Those 2 topics automatically got them blacklisted from American radio stations.

HOWEVER, my co-workers and I managed to air certain songs by Lords Of Acid. Normally, we played "The Power Is Mine" on our radio shows, which can be found on Our Little Secret. 

"The Power Is Mine" is a BDSM song. Meanwhile, "Horror Movie" is rather tame compared to most Lords Of Acid songs. 

"Horror Movie" references to various Thrillers, Slashers, and Horror Comedy Classics such as Psycho, A Nightmare On Elm Street, Friday The 13th, The Fly, Attack Of The Killer Tomatoes, etc.

Anyway, to keep this Song Saturday blog as short and sweet as possible, here is Lords Of Acid's "Horror Movie."

Lords Of Acid "Horror Movie" Our Little Secret (1997)