Not just knives, entrails, screams and blood. Horror besets with brutal nightmarish imagery, but the horror films that resonate with us most and stay with us for a long time are often the ones that captivate with a certain elegance and with particular attention to the style. Which go beyond dark atmospheres with barely visible scenography, and indeed take care of the details with a disturbing and mysterious sense of beauty.
On the occasion of the return of Darius Silverwith the movie Black glasses from 24 February to the cinema, with Ilenia Pastorelli and Asia Argento, here we retrace 10 classy (and scary) horror films.
Suspiria (1977) by Dario Argento
Suspiria can only open our list. The lush aesthetic is accompanied by an equally juicy soundtrack by progressive rock band dei Goblins. When ballet student Susy (Jessica Harper) arrives at the prestigious Freiburg Academy, an inviting apple-red building welcomes you.
For the rich color palette used, Argento was inspired by American Technicolor, red sunsets and, above all, by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs by Walt Disney. Of course from the wicked witch. The school is in fact the cover of an ancient coven of witches, the dazzling setting of a compelling nightmare.
Photo: Video Image from the movie “Suspiria”
Rosemary’s Baby (1968) by Roman Polanski
Scary story of satanism and pregnancy, it is visually seductive, in an accurate stylistic research right from the opening, which ranges over a Beautiful and lonely New Yorkwith titles in candy pink curves and flourishes, to the melancholy and romantic notes of Krzysztof Komeda.
To the sinister vibe emanating from the old Upper West Side Bramford Building (the upscale residential building Dakota of Manhattan), are counterbalanced by the luxuriant furnishings, from high floors, where the newlyweds move (Mia Farrow and John Cassavetes) and the trendy wardrobe by Farrow, iconic in her bobbed haircut.
Carrie – The look of Satan (1976) by Brian DePalma
Cult of the horror genre, moving and terrible, it is a great proof of Brian De Palma’s style, between light and darkness, between conciliation and revenge, between dream and reality. And lots of colour, unlike films of the genre which are often asphyxiated by light and chromaticity.
In the high school where the sensitive and reserved Carrie studies (Sissy Spacek), dominate i crayonslike the yellow uniform she wears in the volleyball match or the pink satin dress at the party, up to the glittering final dance, with a creepy blood-red lapel. Aesthetically captivating as excruciating.
Crimson Peak (2015) by Guillermo del Toro
Sumptuous clothes, dark atmospheres, a majestic and dilapidated residence on top of a blood-red clay hill. In this context of pictorial beauty moves a seductive melodrama full of shadows, with sexy and mysterious protagonists: next to the dark duo Tom Hiddlestonfascinating and ambiguous, e Jessica Chastainbeautiful and lethal, moves ingenue and sunny Mia Wasikowska.
Del Toro brings back the gothic romance genre of the great Hollywood productions, combining romantic elements with horror suggestions. In a delightful restlessness.
Photo: Universal Pictures Image from the movie “Crimson Peak”
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) by Francis Ford Coppola
The myth of Dracula has had many cinematic readings, but Bram Stoker’s Dracula she was the only one able to conquer three Oscars: best costumes, make up, sound editing.
Sumptuous and elegant horror drama, is over the top but still captivating thanks to the remarkable performances (from Gary Oldman count of Transylvania a Winona Ryder at the height of his career) and the splendors of visual storytelling, to the uncompromising music of Wojciech Kilar.
At the costumes there is the Japanese Eiko Ishioka, which mixes eastern and western cultural influences, drawing inspiration from insects and lizards, with clothes that evoked high fashion and Japanese tradition. One example, Lucy’s (Ryder) haute couture funeral gown, with a lace ruff inspired by an Australian collared lizard.
The black Swan (2010) by Darren Aronofsky
Part thriller, part psychological horror, about a prima ballerina (Natalie Portman) obsessed with dance and immersed in a hallucinatory nightmare, it is an acclaimed but contrasting film, you may not like it. It is certainly unexpected and almost disturbing.
The clothes of her, White Swan who increasingly transfigures into Black Swan, are made with black feathers and tulle from the stylists J. Mendel and Oscar de la Renta. Even the high fashion brand Rodarte chimed in, with the two Pasadena sisters reinterpreting the classic ballet tutu.
Miriam wakes up at midnight (1983) by Tony Scott
cult erotic horror, Miriam wakes up at midnight is one of the most stylish vampire movies ever. It has been criticized for having more style than substance, but style is i know glam (signed by the Italian costume designer Milena Canonero).
The charming protagonists David Bowie, Catherine Deneuve and Susan Sarandon they are so beautiful dressed in 80s trends (Deneuve’s wardrobe is designer Yves Saint Laurent). It is no coincidence that the film inspired Alexander McQueen’s Spring/Summer 1996 show of the same name.
Birds (1963) by Alfred Hitchcock
The horror matures slowly, very slowly, and when it comes it’s hair-raising, more disturbing than gory: Hitchcock demonstrates once again that playing with suspense leads to an effective build-up of tension. He turns birds into villains more terrifying, with images that remain indelible in the eyes.
Meanwhile she, Tippi Hedrenone of Alfred’s blondes, also the protagonist of Marnieicon of 60s styledrive aAston Martin and sports monochromatic clothes and hair always on point, even when attacked by evil birds. The costumes are by Edith Head, the woman with the most Oscars won (eight).
The Neon Demon (2016) by Nicolas Winding Refn
Controversial film, which divides: the plot is thin but the style is seductive and elegant. A non-traditional horror that moves like a hypnotic fever dream, with Elle Fanning sixteen year old naive aspiring model who moves to Los Angeles, between ruthless characters and designer clothes Armani and Saint Laurent. Among neon soaked in glitter and blood, a dark look at the world of fashion and the obsession with beauty and youth.
Photo: Koch Media Image from the movie “The Neon Demon”
Shining (1980) by Stanley Kubrick
The conjunction of restlessness and visual arrogance finds one of the most punctual expressions in Stanley Kubrick. And in shingingOf course, just writing the title gives me the creeps. L’Overlook Hotelwhere the writer finds refuge Jack Nicholson on the verge of hysteria, with his family, is a labyrinth with corridors, rooms and furniture from symmetries more alienating, with contrasting colors.
The wardrobe (signed by Milena Canonero) and the sets – as well as many jokes – are milestones of cinematic horror, with style.
Horror but with elegance: the 10 best films not to be missed
