#icons dracula 2020

[savagewildnerness]

Immortal, bloodthirsty creatures that feed on humans - they have sharp fangs and a hatred for sunlight and garlic.

Vampires might not be the hero you typically root for, but they have transfixed us for centuries.

The first short story about the monster written in the English language was John Polidori's The Vampyre in 1819.

More followed, with Bram Stoker's Dracula in 1897 inspiring F.W. Murnau's silent film Nosferatu in 1922. This is now being remade by Robert Eggers and is set to be released in the UK in 2025, starring Bill Skarsgård, Lily-Rose Depp and Nicholas Hoult.

But what's driving our hunger for vampire stories?

For writer and actor Mark Gatiss, his fascination with vampires started early. The co-writer of BBC drama series Sherlock and Dracula has been a "horror obsessive" for as long as he can remember.

Gatiss went on from a childhood love of scary stories to star as Dracula in an audio production, made a documentary on the monster as well as a 2020 BBC series, which sees the Count (played by Claes Bang) venture to London.

He says the opportunity to bring Stoker's iconic vampire to life felt "too good to be true".

"Like Sherlock Holmes, it's an imperishable myth and, really, if anyone gives you the chance to have a go at it - you have to do it," he explains.

Gatiss explains an image of Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes "silhouetted against a doorway when he comes back from the dead with his collar up" helped spark the 2020 Dracula series with Claes Bang

Rolin Jones is an executive producer and a writer on the TV adaptation of Interview with the Vampire, based on Anne Rice's collection of novels.

The series, available on BBC iPlayer, follows vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac (played by Jacob Anderson) who shares the story of his life and relationship with Lestat de Lioncourt (played by Sam Reid) with a journalist.

He explains stories about the vampires "come back over and over again" because they "get in your bones and haunt you," with many raising questions of immortality, death and love.

The modern popularity of the figures can be seen on social media with #vampire having 2.7 million posts on TikTok.

Jones adds that each day he will see more people tattooing the characters' faces on their body, explaining "this is a rabid fan base".

"They're really tense and complex characters", Jones says

'Scared me to death'

While the characteristics of fictional vampires have changed throughout history - some burn to a crisp in the sunlight, others have famously sparkly skin - they have one thing in common: immortality.

Dr Sam George - an associate professor at the University of Hertfordshire who taught students about vampires in fiction - explains that part of the reason the monster endures is because they "get us to think about the big questions that concern us, ideas about ageing" as well as "what happens beyond the grave".

She adds that "the vampire's always been linked very strongly with disease, with contagion," adding that if we look back in history we can see that our interest in the immortal monster seems to pique around times of mass disease.

"When the first fictional vampire appeared in 1819, there was a strong link with tuberculosis," she says.

"Nosferatu is made to actually look like plague rats," Dr George explains

She adds that F.W. Murnau's silent film Nosferatu in 1922, centring on a character famous for the plagued rats he brought in his wake, came shortly after the Spanish influenza pandemic.

The academic adds that this is "really important to why vampires are so popular and on trend now, when you think of Nosferatu and its link to the plague, post Covid we're very interested in the vampire as contagion."

Executive producer Jones adds that a key point of interest for him lies in working out why vampires want to keep living. "You take mortality out of any drama, and it's quite interesting," he says.

Jones adds that Ms Rice herself wrote the novel after losing her daughter and that this sense of "grief and mourning" is "exceptionally articulated" in the book.

'They seduce you'

"There's this allure to them," Jones says of vampires - like Assad Zaman, who plays the vampire Armand and Jacob Anderson, who plays Louis de Pointe du Lac

While vampires may let us play out our fears about mortality and death, Jones adds that there is something else that draws us to the fanged figures.

"They're the sexiest, the most sensual of monsters," he says. "They seduce you."

Jones adds that when he first picked up the novel Interview with the Vampire, "it seemed to me what I was reading was this really repressed and really messy love story."

Dr George agrees, explaining "vampires have gotten younger and better looking over the years" and notes the difference between Nosferatu and Twilight's Edward Cullen (played by Robert Pattinson).

The academic adds there has been "a shift" in the way people read vampire fiction, explaining there has been a lot of interest in the topic of sexuality and vampires, like the "queer family" presented in Ms Rice's novel. 

The combination of love and immortality, Dr George says, is also seen in Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 film Bram Stoker's Dracula, which ran with the tagline "love never dies".

For Dr George, the "sense that the vampire can address a number of questions all at once," from death to love is the reason it stays with us today.

This article made me curious (I haven't put combination of some/all as an option as 100% would vote for it, as of course it isn't just one thing... so I ask the *most* significant thing for you)...

Edit to add that this is very difficult even for me to answer and I created the poll. Now, I'd say existential questions would be my top answer, but when I first read the books, it was the exploration of the outsider/difference I think for me, so perhaps that's the truest answer?

[marchyfrommars]

Supernatural (2005-2020)

The Winchester Brothers’ Never-Ending Road Trip

So, you’ve heard about Supernatural, huh? The show that ran for 15 years, outlived several CW presidents and survived cast exhaustion. Strap in, because here’s the rundown of this legendary rollercoaster of a series.

Plot? Who Needs Plot When You’ve Got… More Plot. The premise is simple: Two ridiculously attractive brothers, Sam (Hair Goals) Winchester and Dean (I Eat Pie Like It’s My Job) Winchester, drive around in a sweet 1967 Chevy Impala hunting ghosts, demons, and things that go bump in the night. Sounds straightforward, right? Oh, you sweet summer child. By Season 15, they’re fighting God. Yes, the capital-G guy upstairs. And it totally makes sense… somehow.

The Bromance: Sam and Dean’s relationship is the emotional core of the show. One minute, they’re yelling, “You lied to me!” The next, they’re hugging and dramatically saying, “We’re all we’ve got.” Family therapy, who?

Monsters Galore: If it exists in folklore, Supernatural has hunted it. Vampires? Yep. Werewolves? Sure. Killer clowns? Obviously. That creepy thing you thought lived under your bed as a kid? Oh, that was definitely a Supernatural episode.

Humor That Slaps: The show knows it’s ridiculous and leans into it. Highlights include: Dean thinking he’s a literal dog for an episode. ("Look at my face. Do I look like I’m joking?"). A black-and-white monster movie tribute complete with campy Dracula. Sam getting possessed by a demon and going on a coffee bender (no one has ever looked happier about caffeine).

Guest Stars from Heaven (and Hell): Castiel, the socially awkward angel who doesn’t understand personal space, steals every scene he’s in(and we LOVE him). Crowley, the snarky demon king, delivers sass like he’s on a Bravo reality show. And let’s not forget Bobby Singer, the grumpy surrogate dad who made “Idjits” an iconic insult.

Fake Deaths Galore: If you got a dollar every time a Winchester died and came back, you’d have enough cash to buy your own haunted mansion. Death is basically their vacation spot.

The Apocalypse, Again?: By the time the third apocalypse rolls around, you’re like, “Can someone else save the world for once? The Avengers, maybe?”

Overtime Issues: Around Season 11, you might feel like the writers are spinning a roulette wheel labeled “Heaven,” “Hell,” and “Another Monster with Daddy Issues.” But you stick around, because you’re too invested in the Impala’s gas mileage at this point.

The Legacy, fifteen years later, Supernatural left us with:

- A lifetime’s worth of classic rock songs stuck in our heads.

- Enough fan theories to fill an actual Bible.

- Destiel.

- A devoted fandom ready to argue whether Dean deserved that ending (spoiler: no pie in heaven?! Blasphemy!).

It’s not perfect—plot holes so big you could drive Baby through them—but it’s heartfelt, funny, and ridiculously addictive. Watching Supernatural is like hanging out with chaotic friends who always have a crazy story: you roll your eyes at their antics but wouldn’t miss it for the world.

And since it is my favourite series, of course I would recommend. But remember, when someone says, “It’s just one more episode,” they’re lying. You’ll be watching until you’re humming "Carry On Wayward Son" in your sleep.

The fullest Full Moon you’ll ever see 5/5 🌕

[goryhorroor]

I'm following your October horror movie prompt list, and I'm trying to stick to a vampire theme. I've gotten a little behind already, because I spent so many days watching silent films and going to a pumpkin patch all day, but so far I've watch Nosferatu and Dracula (1931). Looking at your suggested lists for each decade, there's SO many vampire options to choose from! If you were to recommend the most classic/iconic vampire film of each decade, which ones would you pick?

ooh ok 30s: dracula's daughter 40s: house of dracula 50s: the vampire 60s: fearless vampire killers 70s: the vampire lovers 80s: the hunger 90s: interview with the vampire 2000s: let the right one in 2010s: a girl walks home alone at night 2020s: i'm still not decided on this one

[theholmwoodfoundation]

THE HOLMWOOD FOUNDATION PILOT EPISODE CAST/CREW - PART THREE

GEORGIA COOK - CO-WRITER AND CO-PRODUCER

Georgia Cook is an illustrator and scribe-award nominated writer from London. She has written for publications such as Baffling, Vastarien Lit, and Flame Tree press, as well as the Doctor Who range with Big Finish. Her Doctor Who Novel, Ruby Red, is currently available from Penguin books. She frequently writes and narrates for various horror anthology podcasts such as 'Creepy', 'The Other Stories', and 'The Night's End'. She can be found on twitter at @georgiacooked and on her website at https://www.georgiacookwriter.com/

FIO TRETHEWEY - CO-WRITER AND CO-PRODUCER

Fio Trethewey is a writer and artist known for their love of Doctor Who, Arthurian Legend and 80s cult classics. Alongside working for the Lancet as a Deputy Operations Manager he has written a variety of audio dramas and short stories for Big Finish Productions for their Doctor Who box sets, most recently writing for the Gallifrey War Room Series both ‘The Last Days of Phaidon” (2022), “Transference” (2023) and The Twelfth Doctor Chronicles finale "You Only Die Twice.' Fio has also contributed their prose work to various anthologies including Overdue: Mystery, Adventure, and the World’s Lost Books, Shadows Over Avalon Volume 2 and Sockhops and Seances for 18thWall Productions. Lastly, as a writer and artist to charity anthologies and raised money on a charity drawing stream for FareShare UK back in October 2020 raising $4,762.

KATHARINE ARMITAGE - SCRIPT EDITOR

Katharine is a writer, script editor and director in drama and comedy. Most recently she directed new Radio 4 sitcom 'Tom and Lauren Are Going OOT!' and wrote scripts including 'The Beautiful Game' and 'Nowhere, Never' for Big Finish's Doctor Who audio dramas.  She also wrote and directed an adaptation of 'Dracula', back in 2017, so was delighted to return to the Count's world in working on 'The Holmwood Foundation'.

BENJI CLIFFORD - SOUND DESIGNER/ ENGINEER

Benji is a sound designer, musician, and presenter from the UK who specialises in post-production audio design. Whether creating cinematic multi-cast productions or intimate storytelling through audiobooks, Benji ensures that you get the highest quality, professional-sounding production. Throughout his time as a sound designer, Benji has worked on many famous properties such as BBC's Doctor Who and Torchwood, ITV's iconic Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet and Stingray, as well as cult tv revivals such as Terry Nation's Survivors, Space 1999, Adam Adamant Lives and Blake's 7, to name a few. Using the latest industry-standard equipment, software, and a fully loaded sound effects library consisting of thousands of recordings, Benji delivers a clean and contemporary sound regardless of your budgetary requirements. In addition to working in his own studio, Benji has extensive experience engineering in some of London's busiest recording studios. He has also helped many companies and productions continue working during remote working restrictions, ensuring high quality can be achieved even in less-than-ideal environments. Since 2017, Benji has co-hosted the weekly Big Finish Podcast alongside Nicholas Briggs. This podcast has a worldwide reach with thousands of listeners, and he has also performed it live across the UK and in the USA.

PART ONE: HERE

PART TWO: HERE

[margridarnauds]

Adaptations are not even overwhelming pro-DracMina tbh. 🤷🏼‍♀️If you look at screen adaptations aka biggest widespread media type of adaptations most recent adaptation 2020 Netflix/BBC by Mofftiss had no DracMina at all. Also TV adaptations like 2002 and BBC 2006 ones had no DracMina as in both these adaptations Mina didn’t have any real genuine interest in Dracula and was his victim. 2012 movie by Argento had no DracMina either cause Drac’s interest in Mina was also completely one-sided and Mina wasn’t into him at all. The only recent example of DracMina was 2013 TV series - so 11 years ago. Before that both DracMina movies are 1979 and 1992 ones respectively- so 45 and 32 years ago.

Like, can we even say that adaptations are extremely pro-DracMina if within 1922–2024 we got only 3 screen DracMina adaptations, and two of them are ancient and most likely older than people who complain about DracMina shippers? Even if we want to count non-screen stuff then Wildhorn’s musical is also 20 years old as it premiered and flopped on Broadway in 2004. So, like 🤷🏼‍♀️

Agreed in the sense that I think that people really, really just....don't think about adaptations besides Coppola's, which gives a VERY slanted view. To my knowledge, we have:

Love at First Bite (1979), which is (1) a parody and (2) set in the modern day, with the modern character as Mina's reincarnation. Notable for being one of the earlier adaptations, but it's barely, *barely* Dracmina.

Drakula - The Hungarian musical, which...I can guarantee that unless the people complaining about this know about Hungarian musical theatre, they're unlikely to know about.

Dracula: The Musical (2010, not the other one) - Replace "Hungarian" with "Swedish."

Lovers of the Night, see above, but "was never released to mass distribution" next to "Swedish."

Dracula, l'amour plus fort que la mort - Replace the above for "French musical flop."

Dracula, el Musical - Replace the above with "Argentinian."

Wildhorn

The 2013 adaptation that most people watch for Katie McGrath as Lucy.

*Loosely* again counting the 1979 movie, because Lucy is taking the role of Mina there.

Bram Stoker's Dracula which....okay, yeah. That's the one most people know.

Fine, for books, I'm including Dracula: The Undead though I don't think any of us actually claim it because it's the "authorized" sequel. (Dacre Stoker when I catch you...)

Since I included Dracula: The Undead, I'm also going to have to include The Dracula Tapes. (1975.)

Dracula 3D - Fine, I'm adding it in.

Dracula: A Love Tale (2025), which looks like it's going to do this. And you know what? The vampirefuckers have earned this, please let it be less sexist about it than Coppola. I hope that it's every bit of pulpy, overly romanticized goodness that I love. I hope they fuck on screen.

Nosferatu - From the script leaks, which. Again. What I'm seeing is very much up my alley, including the terms "horrific union." Peter Eggers, the man that you are. The icon.

Dracula - Entre L'Amour et la Mort - Mixed, but she chooses Jonathan in the end and Drac commits suicide.

Dracula: A Chamber Musical - See above, she chooses Jonathan (again, WHY?) (I'm not commenting on Jonathan in the novel, I'm commenting on the fact that most of these Jonathans have the consistency of bland milk.)

Dracula Untold - In the loosest possible way because there is a woman named "Mina" at the very, very, very end in the modern day. Though it only barely qualifies as a Dracula adaptation.

Meanwhile, for adaptations that haven't (trying to include adaptations that at least very loosely adapt the book, or that have familiar characters/plot arcs, even if that is just "area warlord loses his wife and gets really really mad about it for several centuries", so no Hotel Translyvania...which also isn't Dracmina):

As you said, the 2020.

Dracula (Czech musical) -- This musical was doing many, many things, but this was not one of them.

Last Voyage of the Demeter - I mean. Obviously.

Renfield - See above.

Count Dracula (1977) - Nope

Nosferatu - Nope.

1930s Dracula - Also no.

1958 - He preys on her, but nope. Decidedly not mutual.

Dracula A.D. 1972 - Nope.

Dracula 2006 - Nope.

Dracula 2002 miniseries - He tries to seduce her, sure, and then she shanks him. This is not a doe-eyed Mina swooning over a bad boy.

Bram Stoker's Dracula (1974) - Nope, and makes LUCY the reincarnation of his wife.

Blacula - ...no. The reincarnated love plot is given to Mamuwalde, whose wife Dracula killed. Decidedly unromanticized.

League of Extraordinary Gentlemen - Nope. (I'd prefer it to whatever the fuck was going on with Tom Sawyer.)

Count Dracula (1970) - No (even though I don't understand when Dracula is being played by CHRISTOPHER LEE--who was saying that? It wasn't me, I didn't say anything.)

Count Dracula's Great Love - With a name like that, it HAS to be Dracmina, right, because who else could it be--an OC. They...had an OC. (Arguably Mina is an OC in some of the above as well, but the point stands: not Dracmina.)

The one "West End" Dracula concept album from 2006 that never made it to the West End.

Penny Dreadful - I mean, she gets vamped, but it's hardly a star crossed epic romance.

Dracula: Mina's Reckoning (2023)- Nope. She literally says "I do not exist tae serve onybiddy. I winted whit you had. I’d rather gie up my life than be like you."

Dracula 2000 - Insofar as Mary loosely resembles Mina...no.

Hellsing - No. He might have desired her, but it clearly wasn't more than that and I think the general consensus is he coerced her.

Mina and the Count - Given that Mina is seven and they're best friends NO. They did the 1980s spinoff animated series trend of making villains and heroes friends.

Drakula İstanbul'da - He has some kind of fixation on her, but nope.

And then there's Dracula: The Dark Prince where....yes. And no. And yes. And no. And yes. And--

What I'll point out is that while it looks like I have a lot listed for "Dracmina", a lot of these are pieces of media that are INCREDIBLY obscure to an Anglo-American audience, so most of the people complaining about Dracmina would not be aware of them. They are, likewise, also musicals, because (1) that's my area of expertise and (2) I think musicals lend themselves very well to the kind of heightened gothic romantic atmosphere that people are looking for with a Dracmina bent on Dracula. All told, when we strike off non-English media AND musicals save for the Wildhorn, which can stay, the lack of Dracmina in most widely available Dracula adaptations is notable (especially when you ALSO factor in the various Hammer Horror films where Dracula appears and Mina doesn't.) I'll ALSO point out that actually...most of the films that do it come from *the 1970s* (aka "contrary to popular belief, Coppola wasn't the first", or even the first to do the dead wife plot), whereas post-2013, most Dracula adaptations we've gotten in the Anglosphere have revolved around monstrous vampires. (The Invitation, Last Voyage of the Demeter, Renfield, etc.), perhaps as a reaction against Twilight and its subsequent oversaturation of the vampire market. (Though, it's intriguing because I don't think that Twilight...actually DID impact the number of Dracula or Dracmina adaptations, even in its heydey when people were trying to cash in.)

[madam-kumo]

Fashion Style Banners/Moodboards

Rococo

Rococo fashion was worn most commonly in 1700's Europe and continues to be a widely used and praised fashion because of its beautiful themes, clothing, and paintings. A more modern take on this fashion is coquette which became popular from artists like Melanie Martinez and Lana Del Ray respectively. Rococo is most famous for being used in architecture like La Palace de Versailles who housed Marie Antoinette and her husband, King Louis XVI- two other famous figures most known for wearing Rococo clothing and creating the trend in the 1700's.

Dark Academia

This style began in 2015 tumblr and became incredibly popular during the Covid-19 pandemic through social media. Dark Academia takes many inspirations from Victorian and 1910's-40's clothing and the color schemes consist of mostly browns, whites, blacks, and occasional unsaturated colors like green, red, or blue. The style almost looks like one just walked out of a library in an old college. The style is also very common in architecture, which takes many elements from gothic architecture and various historical sights like old churches, libraries, and schools. One of the most famous pieces of media that is used as inspiration in this fashion is Harry Potter- from the uniforms to even the school itself. This fashion is very popular with more realistically artistic people as well as bookworms- obviously.

Scene

This extremely bright and noticeable fashion began in the 2000's from emo fashion and is now one of the most popular alternative styles. This style consists of brightly colored hair that usually covers the forehead or an eye and this style also involves t-shirts with bands or popular media logos on them. Kandi bracelets, poofy skirts or short denim shorts, large belts, and leg warmer are also very popular in this style. Scene music is what began this fashion and the term "Scene Queen" used be a derogatory for attractive, popular women who only like Scene for the aesthetic (also known as "posers") but this term has now become a widely used nickname for anyone in the Scene circle. Scene fell from popular, like Y2k, before becoming more popular in the 2020's through artists like 6arelyhuman and Black Veil Brides.

Trad-Goth

Trad-Goth was one of the earliest known versions of goth that is known today as being called "goth". This style was created in the 70's-80's and is most known for it's unique link to music. This style got popular from various goth artists in the 80-90's and has been slowly making a large comeback in the 2020's from it's music. The style itself can be made of almost anything involving black, grey, and white with dramatic and sharp makeup. Most commonly, Trad-Goths wear large belts/corsets, platformed shoes, and Victorian/Punk inspired clothing. Characters in media take many inspirations from this fashion such as Elvira, Morticia Addams, and Dracula (all very loved by the goth community). Many artists have become famous for being involved in this fashion such as Bauhaus, The Sisters of Mercy, and The Cure.

Y2k

Y2K became popular in the 2000's and is most noticeable by it's dramatic makeup, iconic hairstyles, and unique fashion. Y2K consists of concealed or nude lipsticks, blotchy mascara, and thin eyebrows (and the infamous orange foundation).Sparkly tops with rhinestones or sequins, low-rise shorts or jeans, and halter tops. This style was most iconic because of Paris Hilton, Forever-21, and the Bratz doll line by Carter Bryant. Tanning was a very popular part of this fashion because of it's orange undertones and it's supposed "Highlighting of muscles". Bump it hairstyles and highlights/extensions began it's popularity during the 2000's as well. Wearing skirts over jeans and double layer t shirts if not just a tank top was also common. Hoop earrings, large belts, and Ugg's have begun to make a comeback with this fashion in the 2020's, especially 2023.

[heavenboy09]

Happy Birthday 🎂 🥳 🎉 🎈 🎁 🎊 to The Most Magical & Sexiest Italian👩🏻🇮🇹❤ Goddess To Ever Grace This Earth 🌎

She is a Amazing Actress & a Incredible Model for Eternal Beauty. Hey that's Italian for ya 😉

Born 30 September 1964

She is an Italian actress and model who began her career as a fashion model before working in Italian, American and French films.

She has an eclectic filmography in a range of genres and languages, and her accolades include the David di Donatello, Globo d'oro and Nastro d'Argento awards. In 2018, Forbes Italy included her in their list of the 100 most successful Italian women.

Bellucci was represented by Elite Model Management and modelled for Dolce & Gabbana campaigns. She made her acting debut in the Italian television miniseries Vita coi figli (1991); she went on to play one of Dracula's brides in the horror film Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) and then enrolled in acting classes. After appearing in Italian productions, she had her breakthrough role in The Apartment (1996), for which she received a César Award nomination for Most Promising Actress. Bellucci came to the attention of American audiences in Under Suspicion (2000) and gained greater international recognition as Malèna Scordia in Malèna (2000). Bellucci starred in the period horror Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001) and the comedy Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra (2002). She portrayed a rape victim in the controversial thriller Irréversible (2002), and Persephone in the 2003 science-fiction films The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions.

Bellucci was praised for her portrayal of Mary Magdalene in the drama The Passion of the Christ (2004). She played a prostitute in How Much Do You Love Me? (2005) and Shoot 'Em Up (2007), and acted in diverse roles in other films, including The Whistleblower (2010), The Ages of Love (2011), and The Wonders (2014). Her role in Ville-Marie (2015) earned her the Dublin Film Critics' Circle Award for Best Actress. At the age of 50, Bellucci appeared in the James Bond film Spectre (2015), becoming the oldest Bond girl in the history of the franchise. She later appeared in films such as On the Milky Road (2016) and The Man Who Sold His Skin (2020). Bellucci's television appearances include the series Mozart in the Jungle (2016) and the original French version of Call My Agent! (2018). Bellucci made her stage debut in 2019 as Maria Callas in Letters and Memoirs. She also played Delores in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024).

Bellucci starred alongside her second husband Vincent Cassel in on-screen partnerships that spanned ten years. She has remained involved in modelling, and worked as a brand ambassador for luxury brands such as Cartier and Dior. Some media outlets have labelled Bellucci a sex symbol. Bellucci received the knight insignias of the Order of Arts and Letters in 2006 and of the Legion of Honour in 2016. She represents Italy as a permanent member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

PLEASE WISH THIS LEGENDARY & ICONIC ITALIAN👩🏻🇮🇹❤ ACTRESS, MODEL, SEX SYMBOL & GODDESS , A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎂 🥳 🎉 🎈 🎁 🎊

YOU ALL KNOW SHOULD HER, & IF YOU DONT. YOU BETTER

YOU HAVE SEEN HER MOVIES 🎥 IN BOTH ITALIAN & ENGLISH & MORE.

& SHE IS & ALWAYS WILL BE THE SEXIEST ITALIAN MODEL ON THE FACE OF THIS EARTH 🌎 & A MAJOR CRUSH FOR ME GROWING UP 🥰😍

GIVE IT UP FOR

THE 1 & ONLY

MS. MONICA ANNA MARIA BELLUCI 👩🏻🇮🇹❤

HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY 🎂 🥳 🎉 🎈 🎁 🎊 TO YOU MS . BELLUCI 👩🏻🇮🇹❤ & HERE'S TO MANY MORE YEARS TO COME

#MonicaBelluci #ItalianGoddess

[jeanlouiecastillo]

Gothic fashion designs by Jean Louie Castillo - 2020

“A goth fashion designer who vowed to himself to only create black and white artwork/designs due to his severe dislike for bright colours. He is inspired by Dracula, Nosferatu, gothic literature, gothic films and goth music, as well as icons such as Tim Burton and 90s films like The Crow and The Craft. His dark aesthetic will forever remain as it is his visual and mental way of organising and understanding life itself. ‘Colour upsets me,’ he says.

It all started when he discovered punk music in college, (although he had already been wearing black and white clothing in school) his style was more inspired by minimalism as he had an obsession with Helmut Lang SS98 Menswear. Simplicity calmed his mind from the harsh reality that is everyday, so dressing minimally allowed him to rebel against reality in his own way.

The work displayed above are archival Jean Louie Castillo pieces from 2020, some of his strongest work visually, all made from the same mesh material, stored away and some were sold to admiring buyers from Paris and London. Nowadays, though, his work is a reflection of reality and his current state of mind. He has a lot of bottled up anger from his youth that needs expelling. He has trouble living in the moment as his past traumas haunt him, many of which could’ve been dealt with through confrontation and self-help. His new designs are fuelled by death-core music i.e. Sanguisugabogg, Knocked Loose, Suicide Silence, Born of Osiris and generic alternative music like Korn, Deftones, Slipknot, Soundgarden etc. Common sounds from these death-core/metal bands are portrayed physically and visually in his work e.g. the snorts and screams transform into spikes, studs, sharp shapes or tendrils; heavy or deep drums and guitars are represented in black fabric and rough textured materials like mesh, velvet and faux fur, pin-tucked leather; the texture of sound and fabric correlate in Jean’s mind, in which he hoped others would also understand.

Jean Louie is not a sad person (at least not all the time), in fact he is very jolly person who doesn’t like to take himself too seriously; his current work is a reflection of his neglected past issues (and will be for a while) infused with inner jokefulness that no one needs to know about. Most of his design silhouettes are ridiculous and silly, one of his ways to portray his unserious side; but future work may become less emotionally intense, however, still devoid of colour, of course.

He is a jovial being, as raised by his mother, he is open to his not-so-gothic friends and family being bright and colourful (a recent adjustment and acceptance that this world will never be black and white). Oh… how his heart would be flooding if everything is aesthetically correct in his eyes, but the world is butterflies and flowers - which he has found soothing these days due to current political climates and world conflicts. He spends his time locked up in his room projecting his insides into fabric, that sometimes, he can feel severely depressed and trapped in his mind (more dark inspiration…) so nature and his norm-core friends and family are refreshing to the eyes. He is basically The Cure music in human form, if you understand.”

[0nelittlebirdtoldme]

Top 5 Reasons to Watch Dracula :)

I will make this an essay, I swear -

Top 5 Reasons to Watch Dracula (2020)

1. For the first two episodes it is a fairly close adaption to the original Bram Stoker novel Dracula from 1897. Jonathan's arrival on Castle Dracula/Bran. The slow deterioration of his mind. The scene with the letters, Dracula getting handsy and possessive. Jonathan's escape and him finding help by the nuns. Mina finding him there. Dracula's journey on the Demeter, as the crew gets killed off one by one, the Captain's log, the crates of earth... It is all very close to the source material, up to a certain point.

2. The atmosphere. Costumes, set design, props, it all makes my theatre-kid heart leap with joy. They build a whole interor of a castle, up to scale, to film the first episode. The sounddesign and soundtrack is amazing as well. It is scary, it is funny, it is beautiful, it tears at your heartstrings and punches you right in the gut in the very next moment.

3. Dracula and his casting. You'd think seeing an old, creepy man grow younger would kill the mood, but goddamn, Claes Bang is an amazing Dracula. Attractive, charming, funny, snarky, intelligent, powerful, scary, creepy, rather queer and flamboyant (icon, honestly) and intruiging at the same time. He played the roll really well. Overly so, even.

4. The humor. Yes, the vampire puns are on the nose, but they work, and fit the dark comedy vibe that they go for at times with this adaptation. "You are what you eat," "You're a monster! / And you're a lawyer. Nobody's perfect." Seriously, give me a break!

5. Wolf!Drac. Honestly, the scene in which he sheds the wolf's skin is worthy of a nomination on it's own. The practical effects are simply stunning, seeing him, crawling out of the animal's carcass and pelt. The body horror and gore still makes me grow goosebumps every time. Also, the scene results in Dracula bearing himself to a whole monastery, standing naked, covered in blood, in front of the gates which he cannot pass, an army of wolves in his back. Slay. Literally.

Ask Game Here

[thebibi]

i never thought of those 3 old man/young man parallels before! and they happen one right after the other... (though the seward/van helsing one has a backstory spanning years before the novel)

and it's a variety too! old abuser/young victim with drac/jon, old victim/young abuser with ren/jack, old equal/young equal with helward

I wish there was more analysis about this. But honestly you could read the same book a million times and not see what's right in front of you. As I said before, the first 1/5th of the novel has an insane grip on people, so theres a lot of introspection on Drac/Jonathan's relationship and not a lot on the other two. Then usually people discuss Mina and her relationships with Dracula and Van Helsing, or Lucy, but really not so much Renfield. Like I could go find a post about the same three relationships and someone would interpret entirely the opposite of me.

Like, last year I was really uncomfortable in discussing RenfieId because reading the novel alone by yourself vs reading it together collectively on the Internet are very different things! Like I just didn't feel as empathetic towards him, and ultimately I had to reflect on why I felt that way. Also last year I was less involved in DD during the summer months because everyone was so cagey about RenfieId and Jack, it felt like I had no voice on the issue. But the truth is I was more that comfortable with my own assumptions and didn't realize how much more I needed to learn.

Even helward, I geniunely loved their bromance pre- DD and I did mourn the fact that no adaption has captured their friendship, but I didn't think about it too deeply (also tumblr dracula fandom pre 2020 was like, tiny). Its only when I slowed down and read each entry day by day that I realized how important their relationship is to the plot! Not only that, it really grounds the book as being about the spread of information, of what qualifies madness, there's a lot that doesn't even need to be about romance or sexul tension. And I'm kind of baffled at the lack of interest, to be honest. Especially since Jack is literally one of the main characters and voice of the story and Van Helsing went on to become the iconic figure we know today.

So yeah, thank you for liking my little essay. I am really happy you liked it, and I hope to see more people discuss these points in Dracula more!

[ohchristmasbri]

Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the spooky season than with a movie marathon filled with spine-tingling chills and eerie adventures? Whether you're gathering with friends, family, or looking for a solo scare fest, our handpicked selection of Halloween and fall-themed movies has got you covered. From classic horror to animated tales and everything in between, this ultimate movie guide will take your Halloween and Fall-filled experience to new heights.

---

Animated: Cartoons for the Playful Spook: Dive into the enchanting world of animated Halloween tales. From mischievous chipmunks to lovable monsters, our collection of animated movies offers the perfect blend of humour and spooky fun. Explore the ghoulish adventures of Alvin and the Chipmunks, embark on a journey through the afterlife in "Coco," and unravel the mysteries of haunted houses with beloved characters like Casper the Friendly Ghost.

Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet Frankenstein

Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet the Wolfman

Corpse Bride

Coraline

Coco

Fun Size

Frankenweenie

Hotel Transylvania

Hotel Transylvania 2

Hotel Transylvania: Summer Vacation

Hotel Transylvania: Transformania

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Monster House

ParaNorman

Scoob! (2020)

Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School

Scooby-Doo and the Reluctant Werewolf

Spirited Away

The Addams Family (2019)

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

---

Live Action: Live Action Thrills: For those seeking heart-pounding excitement and hair-raising suspense, our live-action movie suggestions are sure to deliver. From Tim Burton's signature dark fantasy style to iconic horror franchises, you'll find a variety of options to keep you on the edge of your seat. Immerse yourself in the quirky world of "Beetlejuice," and revisit the supernatural charm of "Hocus Pocus."

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein

Annabelle

Annabelle Comes Home

Annabelle: Creation

Beetlejuice

Bram Stoker's Dracula

Carrie

Casper

Creepshow

Dark Shadows

Day Shift

Death Becomes Her

Double, Double, Toil & Trouble

Donnie Darko

Edward Scissorhands

Fido

Ghostbusters

Ghostbusters 2

Get Out

Goosebumps

Goosebumps 2

Halloweentown (1-4)

Hereditary

Hocus Pocus

Hocus Pocus 2

Interview with the Vampire

Muppets Haunted Mansion

Practical Magic

Shaun of the Dead

Sleepy Hollow

The Addams Family

The Addams Family Values

The Craft

The Curse of Bridge Hollow

The Haunted Mansion

The Little Vampire

The Love Witch

The Munsters (2022)

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (2016)

The Witches (1990/2020)

The Witch

Twilight (Series)

Vampires Suck

Warm Bodies

What We Do in the Shadows

Zombieland

Zombieland 2 ---

Vintage Horror: Vintage Chills and Classic Horrors: Step back in time with a selection of vintage horror films that have stood the test of time. Experience the captivating performances of horror legends like Vincent Price and Boris Karloff in classics such as "House on Haunted Hill" and "The Mummy." Journey into the eerie worlds created by Alfred Hitchcock in "Psycho" and explore the timeless terror of "Dracula" and "Frankenstein."

A Nightmare on Elm Street

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein

Arsenic and Old Lace

Bride of Frankenstein

Carrie

Child's Play

Comedy of Terrors (1963)

Creature from the Black Lagoon

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931)

Dracula (1931)

House of Wax (1953)

House on Haunted Hill (1959)

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)

Labyrinth

Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Psycho

Tales from the Crypt

The Birds

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)

The Exorcist

The Invisible Man

The Last Man on Earth (1964)

The Mummy (1932)

The Shining

The Wolf Man (1941)

The Blob ---

Horror: Modern Scares for the Brave: Ready to be spooked by more recent releases? Our modern horror movie picks will satisfy your craving for contemporary scares. Immerse yourself in the psychological depths of "Hereditary," navigate the terrors of found-footage in "The Blair Witch Project," and experience the relentless pursuit of a masked killer in "You're Next."

A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)

All Hallows Eve

Annabelle

Annabelle Comes Home

Annabelle: Creation

Cabin in the Woods

Child's Play

Get Out

Halloween (Series)

Hereditary

Insidious

IT

Midsommar

Psycho (1998)

Rosemary's Baby

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Silence of the Lambs

Sinister

The Babadook

The Blair Witch Project

The Conjuring

The Conjuring 2

The Hills Have Eyes (1977)

The Nun

The Ring

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Trick 'r Treat

Us

You're Next With this carefully curated collection of Halloween and fall-themed movies, you're all set for a spooktacular movie marathon! Whether you're in the mood for animated delights, vintage scares, modern horror, or family-friendly fun, there's a movie for every preference and every scare threshold. So, gather your loved ones, prepare the popcorn, and get ready to embark on a cinematic journey that will leave you delightfully haunted and thoroughly entertained this Halloween season. Watching these movies alone? Read this: Looking to pair these movies with an activity? Check out our activity and date ideas.

SEE MORE HERE

[theharrowing]

anon message from curious cat: you seem to have a really lovely grasp of horror. can i ask for any favorite books, movies, etc? music, maybe?

hello, anon!!! wow, thank you for saying that! horror is a favorite genre of mine, for sure!!!

i don't read a ton of books, tbh; i am very very very picky, i suppose. but some horror titles that have stuck with me have been House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski, Come Closer by Sara Gran, Dracula by Bram Stoker. i read a lot of Anne Rice as a kid/teen, and although she's definitely a vampire mommy, her revisionist version of history is extremely cringe, so i don't tend to add her to my lists. but she does get credit for my obsession of heartbreaking longing.

as for movies, i have to deliver this nonsense under a cut because i thought of so many favorites! a lot of these are not in English lol.

i am a huge vampire fan and i love A Woman Walks Home at Night, Interview with the Vampire, Dracula, and even Queen of the Damned (it came out when i was a teen and it is absolutely iconic to me lol.) also Blade, Lost Boys, Buffy the Vampire Slayer (the movie!)...so many great choices. for anything involving witchcraft or lore that seems witchy in nature (including folk horror!) i love The VVitch, Blair Witch Project (shout out to Book of Shadows, the goofy, unhinged sequel that i adore), Valerie and Her Week of Wonders. Huesera: The Bone Woman, The Queen of Black Magic (2020).

i really enjoy hauntings, like the Paranormal Activity films, and Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum. i don't like zombies at all, but Train to Busan gets an exception. the v/h/s films have their moments (i think 1 is the best.) i don't fuck with aliens lmao i get TOO unsettled. slashers like Scream and Climax are fun, and the Fear Street series. gosh, this has gotten long haha. i really like horror. and for TV shows, Sweet Home is so good!!! if there is a specific genre you would like me to go into more, lmk because honestly, i could just keep chaotically word vomiting on the topic all night. my lists are LONG.

also, does anime count? Perfect Blue for psychological horror and slasher, Tokyo Ghoul and Devilman Crybaby feel like they might fit? tbh Evangelion feels a little like psychological horror but that might be a stretch.

music-wise, i do like some goth music, but i don't listen to a ton of it. but if you want something cute and unsettling, i have been revisiting The Birthday Massacre while writing. and i am going to try to put together a fun creepy playlist for Carnival of Terror, which may scratch this itch a little more, down the line.

i am going to cut this short but please reach out to talk all things horror again, if you would like to!!! 💜💜💜

got something you'd like to say to me on anon? send it here!

[aryas]

Hi! I really hope you don't mind me sending this ask, but do you have a link to the icon and header page for your Stranger Things headers and icons? If so, I'd really like to use one! (I searched for one on your blog but it didn't work, sadly)

Hi @dracunettes !

Here's the links to the icon & headers pages:

They don't work if you're using the app though, I think they're only accessible via a browser or on desktop!

And here's a direct link to the google drive with the ST headers:

And ST icons:

[adamwatchesmovies]

The Devil Bat (1940)

Sometimes, you dig through the films that have fallen into the public domain and find some gems. Most of the time, you find the likes of The Devil Bat.

Dr. Paul Carruthers (Lugosi) is beloved by the town of Heathville. Particularly by the Morton and Heath families, whom he’s made rich by developing several of the beauty products they sell. Bitter and resentful of their fortunes, Carruthers has devised an elaborate means of getting revenge. Using electricity, he’s enlarged an ordinary bat to enormous size and trained it to attack anyone wearing a new aftershave he’s developed. After several murders, reporter Johnny Layton (Dave O’Brien) and his sidekick photographer “One-Shot” McGuire (Donald Kerr) begin investigating.

If the plot sounds needlessly complicated and dumb, it's because it is. Carruthers’ plan has way too many phases. Step one: train ordinary bats to attack anyone wearing a very specific scent. Step two: use his SCIENCE! to enlarge one of these bats. Step three: convince his targets to try the aftershave he’s developed. Step four: release the animal from its cage. Hopefully, it rips his target's’ throat out. Meanwhile, he’s got to cross his fingers hoping the police don’t connect him and the victims’ death, a task that would be pretty hard considering he’s always the last person they talk to before getting shredded.

The plot is ludicrous and made more comical by several unintentional quirks in the direction and set design. To release the Devil Bat, Carruthers has to open a secret door in a bookcase which leads to a secret room. In this secret room, there’s a hidden door in the wall which leads to a staircase. At the top is another room whose entrance is hidden in a wall. That final room, by the way, has a window which opens to the outside. After the first murder, you figure the police will need some time to connect the victim to our villain but no! Since no one saw the bat attack the first Heath son, they assume a person attacked him despite 1) the killer getting away fast as lightning 2) the strange bite marks and scratches around the victim’s neck and shoulders 3) the “rat-like” hairs found on the man’s clothing 4) the animal-like shrieks heard as the man’s sister, Mary (Suzanne Kaaren) ran towards him. Imagine going through all these hoops and still becoming suspect #1.

Watching the characters slowly piece together what would be obvious to everyone watching even if the “twist” wasn’t revealed in the first scene is funny. I’ll give the special effects a break - the bats featured don’t look much better than the ones alongside Lugosi in 1931’s Dracula - but the dialogue is so wooden and clunky it feels like a first draft. The characters show no emotion whatsoever. Even after their loved ones are violently killed. I’ve seen stronger reactions from people who spilled a drink than from Mary after her brother is torn apart! Everyone’s a cartoon, with Lugosi faring the best out of everyone. I guess because at least his hamminess fits the part of a mad scientist obsessed with bats.

Classic horror-movie connoisseurs may find their interests peaked when they see Bela Lugosi’s name in the credits. If I had to pick, I’d say the horror icon is the best part of this movie but in this case, that doesn’t mean a whole lot. The Devil Bat only lasts 68 minutes, which is one of its strong suits. It may be worth a watch… if you want some laughs. (On DVD, March 18, 2020)

[musicverse11]

Inside King’s Creative Process: From Lyrics to Beats

The Indian music industry has witnessed a dynamic evolution over the past decade, with rap and hip-hop becoming integral parts of its landscape. Among the frontrunners of this revolution is King, a rapper whose journey from humble beginnings to nationwide acclaim is as inspiring as it is remarkable. Born Arpan Kumar Chandel, King is not just a name but a symbol of perseverance, passion, and creativity. This article explores King’s rise in the music industry, shedding light on the factors that contributed to his success.

Early Life and Passion for Music

King’s story begins in Delhi, where he discovered his passion for music at a young age. Growing up, he was captivated by the rhythms and rhymes of hip-hop, a genre that was still finding its footing in India. Unlike traditional Indian music, hip-hop offered King a platform for self-expression, allowing him to weave stories of his experiences and emotions into lyrics.

His early experiments with rap were casual, often shared among friends and on social media. However, it was during his teenage years that King realized his calling. Inspired by global icons like Eminem and Kanye West, as well as Indian pioneers like Divine and Naezy, King began to craft his unique style, blending Indian cultural elements with modern beats.

Building a Digital Presence

In 2012, King launched his YouTube channel, ‘King Rocco,’ marking the first major step in his journey. His content was raw and authentic, resonating with an audience that was beginning to appreciate the emerging Indian rap scene. By 2015, King uploaded his first significant video, “Boombass,” which showcased his lyrical prowess and distinctive energy.

YouTube became King’s creative playground, a space where he could experiment with his music and connect directly with fans. He understood the power of digital platforms early on, consistently posting new content and engaging with his audience. This consistency helped him build a loyal fanbase, setting the stage for greater opportunities.

Breakthrough with MTV Hustle

The turning point in King’s career came in 2019 when he participated in MTV Hustle, India’s first rap reality show. Competing against some of the best up-and-coming rappers, King stood out for his storytelling ability, stage presence, and lyrical depth. Songs like “Tera Ghata” and “Mai Khoya Rahu” won the hearts of both judges and viewers, catapulting him into the limelight.

MTV Hustle not only gave King a platform to showcase his talent but also helped him establish credibility in the industry. He became a household name, with his performances going viral on social media. This exposure opened doors to collaborations, live shows, and record deals, transforming him from a digital sensation to a mainstream artist.

Signature Style and Musical Achievements

One of King’s most notable qualities is his ability to blend various musical influences while staying true to his roots. His music often explores themes of love, ambition, heartbreak, and self-discovery, resonating with a wide range of listeners.

His albums, such as Circumstances (2018), The Carnival (2020), and The Gorilla Bounce (2021), showcase his versatility as an artist. Tracks like “Tu Aake Dekhle” and “Dracula” have become anthems for his fans, amassing millions of streams across platforms.

What sets King apart is his fearless experimentation with sounds and themes. Whether it’s a high-energy party track or an introspective ballad, King delivers each song with authenticity and passion.

Overcoming Challenges

Like any artist, King’s journey was not without challenges. The Indian music industry has traditionally been dominated by Bollywood, leaving limited space for independent artists. Breaking through this barrier required resilience and innovation.

King also faced the pressure of staying relevant in a fast-changing industry. By constantly evolving his style and staying connected with his audience, he managed to turn these challenges into opportunities for growth.

Lessons from King’s Journey

King’s rise offers valuable lessons for aspiring artists:

Consistency is Key: Regularly creating and sharing content helps build a loyal fanbase.

Leverage Digital Platforms: Platforms like YouTube and Instagram can be powerful tools for self-promotion.

Stay Authentic: King’s music resonates because it reflects his true experiences and emotions.

Embrace Opportunities: Participation in MTV Hustle was a risk that paid off, proving the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.

Conclusion

King journey from a young enthusiast to a celebrated rapper is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and innovation. He has not only carved a niche for himself but has also inspired a generation of aspiring musicians. By staying true to his roots and embracing change, King has shown that success in the music industry is possible for those who dare to dream and work tirelessly toward their goals.

King’s story is proof that passion and persistence can lead to extraordinary achievements. Which part of King’s journey inspires you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If you’re an aspiring artist looking for guidance, take a page from King’s book and start creating today.

[femmeleatherface]

Spooky Movie Marathon 2024: Week 4

Day 20: The Skeleton Key (2005)

Day 21: The Curse of King Tut's Tomb (1980) - based on the book Behind the Mask of Tutankhamen by Barry Wynne; heavy embellishment of the 1922 discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen

Day 22: The Creature with the Atom Brain (1955)

Day 23: Son of Dracula (1943) - sequel to Dracula (1931) and Dracula's Daughter (1936)

Day 24: Willy's Wonderland (2021) - remake of the director's 2016 short film Wally's Wonderland

Day 25: The Mummy (1959) - loose remake of the Universal Mummy movies, which I will not fully list because there's a whopping six of them

Day 26: I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) - very loosely based on the 1973 novel of the same name by Lois Duncan

good week! i got most of the "decades" movies i wanted to hit this week: 1940s, 1980s, 2020s. all that's left is 1910s at this point, and i've got a couple films in mind... one of them is a french movie almost three hours long (j'accuse !), so if i don't feel up to that this weekend then it will be another german movie sometime during the week.

i also managed to squeeze in a movie with christopher lee and peter cushing, so i think i'm satisfied with films targetting specific actors... there are more horror icons i didn't get to (lon chaney sr. springs to mind, along with more modern actors), but nobody's really singing out that i NEED to squeeze them in before the end of the month.

rambling thoughts:

The Skeleton Key (2005) - this film is agonizing because the script it SOOOO GOOD and the final plot twist so perfectly built up, but the more and more you think about said twist the more and more racist it gets. aghg. but props for including a blind willie johnson song and having it tie into said twist! and speaking of the music, i also have clearly listened to too much 1920s black gospel music because i didn't even realize the scene where kate hudson listens to the conjure of sacrifice record was supposed to be scary until i saw her roommate's face; i was too busy going "wow :) just like on my playlists :) gee whiz they did a really good job capturing the vibes of recordings from people like the reverend j.m. gates :) :)"

The Curse of King Tut's Tomb (1980) - nooooo not tom baker and raymond burr in brownface. but unfortunately that is... what i may not WANT but certainly what i expect from a cheap british tv mummy movie. and as cheap british tv mummy movies go... it has all the flaws and colonialist leanings of the genre but that aside i thought it was funly spooky. because it was a cheap tv movie, they had to depend more on atmosphere and mood, which worked well. there was apparently a cut scene where tom baker's character gets stabbed in the eye during his death scene where his plane explodes, and honestly thank GOD it was cut. that would have been way too over the top and luridly silly and the film works much better as an atmospheric period piece than an 80s gore film. i'll definitely need to revisit this one whenever i get around to writing my gothic mummy thriller, there's a lot of good and bad stuff in this to deconstruct/draw from.

The Creature with the Atom Brain (1955): this has got to be one of the most 1950s films to ever 1950s. you've got nuclear-powered zombies created by evil foreigners (one of who is an ex-nazi mad scientist named wilhelm, because of course his name is wilhelm) causing mayhem in white suburban bliss for our cop protagonist (played by richard denning, because of COURSE he's played by richard denning) and his happy homemaker wife and their Just So Darling daughter. all that's missing are teenage delinquents going on an anti-square crusade using the power of whitewashed rock 'n roll (probably because they were the ones in the audience when this came out). unfortunately unlike some dated products of the era this movie was just? boring? not awful, but not as engaging as the premise would suggest. this was the b-film for it came from beneath the sea and it definitely shows that this is a film they expected you to pay less attention to. the premise is pretty delightfully batshit, though.

Son of Dracula (1943) - southern gothic twist on the universal version of dracula, VERY cool, very atmospheric. also some great vampire transformation effects in this. just don't think too hard about the timeline of the series or who the primary immigrants from europe would have been at this time that this film is making a very questionable metaphor about--you WILL get a headache.

Willy's Wonderland (2021) - had this recommended to me by somebody at work. nicholas cage battles demonic man-eating serial killer animatronics, ft. annoying young people being insufferable. the movie's great but i wish it had just been about nicholas cage and MAYBE the liv character as his eventual surrogate daughter taking down the animatronics in increasingly absurd ways, but i also recognize the need of the young people to be cannon fodder. but also the animatronics were RIDICULOUSLY easy to take down. how were these things ever a threat. absurd.

The Mummy (1959) - insert repeat of the noooo not X in browface joke wherein X is christopher lee. i was going to make a joke about how this isn't a remake at all and because of how loosely the old universal monster movies took continuity it is in fact just a sequel and this is the same mummy that went up against abbott and costello in 1955. but unfortunately that mummy was named klaris and this one goes by the name kharis, the name used by the mummy in universal's second through fifth movies. so RIP that joke. ANYWAY. good movie. a bit tedious when the mummy's backstory is being outlined, but otherwise fine. i haven't seen all the universal mummy movies yet but just compared to the 1932 movie this one gives way more payoff on seeing an actual mummy walk around versus starting off with that and then skipping to boris karloff spending the rest of the movie with glue on his face looking like he very badly needs some moisturizer. but i do have a soft spot for the 1932 film because i got to see it in theaters in a double feature with bride of frankenstein two years ago, and for as much of a dracula rehash the plot is the german expressionist influence really was so gorgeous on the big screen. but i did really like the colors in this 1959 movie, especially the inexplicable funky green jell-o light in the mummy's tomb. very neato. also i watched this movie primarily for christopher lee and peter cushing and because i saw a video once that described the hammer mummy movies as cinematic capsules of post-ww2 british colonial nostalgia, and... mmhm. there's a scene where cushing's character has verbal spars with Mr. Evil Egyptian Stereotype™ about the proper way to respect ancient egyptian relics and burial sites, and respecting non-christian religions, and it is WILD how un-self aware the british filmmakers are in how both characters are presented. mr. stereotype makes some VERY valid points but the movie presents him as a completely irrational and backwards knave and cushing's character as a perfect and totally 100% correct saint who is smarter because he's Civilized™. it's like the 1932 movie that way, the film is so bafflingly close to criticizing its own colonialist leanings and sometimes literally seems to do so, but then the plot happens and it's just like. oh. that wasn't intentional. you're just oblivious.

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997): this movie had me until the end. the characters were standard enough for a slasher movie, but likeable, with engaging moral dilemmas that made me want to see what was going to happen to them. then the plot twist for who the killer was happened and the movie lost me. maybe it's because i was repairing one of my shoes while watching and not paying super close attention but did we even meet the guy beforehand??? i don't think so, and when it comes to twists and mysteries, i like it when stories lay out clues where if you put in the effort you might be able to figure it out ahead of time. there was SOME setup in that regard, but not really enough for some random guy to be the surprise killer. it was a good twist in theory, but not in practice, and unfortunately did make me walk away feeling dissatisfied. i did really like the movie's soundtrack though. most of it was 90s rock and metal, but it was good 90s rock and metal, and there was some other stuff in there too, and any movie that has type o neative, leadbelly, AND bing crosby on its soundtrack is a winner.

last week of the month coming up! no plans beyond one of those 1910s silent movies. five more days--onward!

rankings, ratings, and lists thus far:

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) (duh)

Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)

Planet Terror (2007)

The VelociPastor (2018)

The House on Haunted Hill (1959)

The House on Haunted Hill (1999)

The Black Cat (1934)

The Skeleton Key (2005)

Son of Dracula (1943)

The Curse of King Tut's Tomb (1980)

Witchcraft (1964)

Der Golem, wie er in die Welt kam (1920)

The Comedy of Terrors (1963)

Lyle (2015)

Willy's Wonderland (2021)

Return to House on Haunted Hill (2007)

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

White Settlers (2014)

The Mummy (1959)

Bijo to Ekitai-ningen (1958)

Prometheus (2012)

The Creature with the Atom Brain (1955)

XX (2017)

Mary Reilly (1996)

Death Proof (2007)

Encounter with the Unknown (1972)

moved Death Proof further down. time has not been kind to it in my brain. congrats to mary reilly for at least being competently made.