Just in time for Halloween, the members of CHLOTRUDIS SOCIETY FOR INDEPENDENT FILM (CSIF) have created a list of the 50 BEST SCARY FILMS OF ALL TIME. This list ranges from classics like Nosferatu and The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari to recent films such as Blair Witch Project and this year’s 28 Days Later. While the top 10 focuses on many standards of the genre, lesser-known films from around the world fill out much of the remainder of the list.
The horrific story of a young girl possessed by the devil has terrified film buffs for several decades in William Friedkin’s The Exorcist. Few were surprised by its prominent ranking on a list of scary films. More surprising was the inclusion at #9 of Italian filmmaker Dario Argento’s cult classic Suspiria. Two films made the list twice, in different versions. The Japanese horror flick Ringu makes an appearance at #17, while The Ring, its American remake from 2002, shows up at #43. The Thing from Another World from 1951 is ranked at #45, while John Carpenter’s remake from 1982 called The Thing shows up at #34. Three films on the list are currently screening as part of the Boston Fantastic Film Festival at the Brattle Theatre: Alien: the Director’s Cut at #4, the remastered print of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre at #10, and The Haunting at #14. The full list is available here.
CHLOTRUDIS SOCIETY FOR INDEPENDENT FILM (CSIF) offers a series of exciting events throughout the year, including the beloved annual Chlotrudis Awards black tie event, the short film festival held every year at the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline and much more. An exciting line up of film premieres, special events and member discounts herald the celebration of its tenth year as an organization, including this release of the organization’s picks of the 50 best scary films of all time.
The horror genre has traditionally found its roots in the world of independent film since the time of midnight movies. ‘Although special effects can be costly, an independent minded filmmaker can create terror on a low budget by simply be able to tap into what truly scares people,’ explains Ivy Moylan co-director of the Brattle Film Foundation at the Brattle Theatre and Chlotrudis board member. ‘Plus, horror films are able to critique current societal issues without ruffling feathers because of the ‘otherworldly’ nature of the genre. And since independent filmmakers have tended to subvert popular culture and comment on current norms, horror ends up being a natural place for independent filmmakers to go.’ By creating lists of challenging and well-made films, Chlotrudis hopes to encourage film buffs to educate themselves about the history of film. ‘This is a great list to bring to the video store, or to help create your rental list from Netflix,’ says Chlotrudis President Michael Colford.
Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film began its tenth year on July 1, 2003. Chlotrudis members receive discounts on certain nights at the Coolidge Corner and Brattle Theatres. CSIF recently teamed with the Brattle Film Foundation to present The Sunday Eye-Opener, a special sneak preview series with an educational discussion component. Chlotrudis members receive early copies of its quarterly newsletter, Chlotrudis Mewsings, as well as opportunities to travel with other like-minded movie buffs to various Film Festivals. Members also enjoy discounts to all Chlotrudis events, such as the Short Film Festival held in February 2004 at the Coolidge Corner Theatre, and the annual Awards Ceremony at the Brattle Theatre. Chlotrudis is developing relationships with national organizations as well, extending member benefits to those who don’t live in the Boston area.
The best benefit of membership in CHLOTRUDIS SOCIETY FOR INDEPENDENT FILM is the privilege to vote in the annual Awards for your favorite indie films and stars. Your voice counts, after all, that’s how the organization got started in the first place.