Horror comes in all shapes and sizes. Some of it rocks, some of it sucks, and some of it just leaves you saying “Meh.” But there is a whole other possibility that almost defies attempts at criticism. It’s the flicks that at the end you simply think WTF was that?!
Now I’m not one who generally thinks because I don’t understand something it must have been ultra deep, in fact my ego requires I go in the other direction on that point. Still, it’s hard to discount the power of those works that, while not necessarily “understandable” do kick your brain all over the place and permanently brand you.
So let’s take a look at a group of the oddest, weirdest, most head tripping horror flicks you’ll likely ever see. And if you make it back alive from the journey, then spit bullets on what crazy sights you’ve seen.
WARNING – WEIRD SHITE AHEAD!
10. SLAUGHTERED VOMIT DOLLS
This flick is a vomitorium in the most literal sense. It’s pretty much scene after scene of f*cked up expectoration for no discernable purpose. It features elements that even your 2 GIRLS AND A CUP fans would likely have difficulty stomaching, although there is some deftly dark humor in scenes like when a dude makes himself gag using the severed arm of a bulimic. I’m entirely unclear what the filmmakers wanted to accomplish with it, but it definitely leaves you wondering what the hell you just watched.
9. BUBBA HO-TEP
Elvis is still alive, and with the help of JFK – who happens to be black, ends up fighting a mummy in a nursing home. Believe it or not this is actually the most linear and accessible entry on the list. In fact the film is so damn good at making you believe in the absolutely ridiculous set up that you almost feel like it’s a pretty reasonable series of events while watching it. But then afterwards you start reeling the plot back through your brain pan and the only likely thought is WTF was that?!
8. POSSESSION
When the director of a film says it’s basically about a woman f*cking an octopus then you know the ride is gonna be different than the usual. That’s without getting into the fact that it’s an incestuous relationship with said octopod. The vigorous overacting in this makes it too shrill of a dish for a lot of folks, but my take is this – if you’re OK with the tentacle humping, how the hell can histrionic thespians turn you off?
7. VIDEODROME
It was a tough call between this and eXistenZ, but ultimately I had to give the nod to Cronenburg’s 1983 classic of mindf*ckery. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the movie is that it’s cynical view of the future of television hasn’t actually been surpassed by the networks yet. Filled with images that continue to shock and disgust to this day (gun in tummy anyone?), this film has never clearly made sense to me, but the crazy goings on certainly make me want to try to get it.
6. SPIRAL (UZUMAKI)
The whole town is turning into snails. Peaked your interest yet? This beautifully shot Escher like meditation on a town overcome by, you guessed it – spirals, is not exactly thrill a minute, but it’s hypnotically involving. Not a good choice for anyone who gets motion sickness, but for those tired of what feels like the standard Asian horror movie, this is a good chance to reboot your expectations.
STAY TUNED FOR PART 2!