Night 1/31
Film of choice: White Zombie
Starring: Bela Lugosi
Year: 1932
Despite having the '50 Horror Classic' box set for almost two years, this is the first time I have seen this and I can see why it's a classic. Bela Lugosi is ofcourse fantastic and those moments where you just see him staring at you, as he controls his zombie army, is still haunting - no special effects needed; just that perfect stare from a horror legend.
My personal favourite member of the cast was the white zombie herself, Madge Bellamy, the way she falls into her co-star's arms in her death scene shows extreme trust as she let herself go completely limp. Then her performance as a zombie was superb, she came across completely lifeless (even when she moved) and her stare equals Bela's for the haunting feeling as she seemed to stare right through (where Bela's seem to stare right into you).
The plot left something to be desired as it did not start or end well in my opinion, however I very much enjoyed it and strongly recommend that those also taking part in the 31 Nights of Horror challenge should make it part of their remaining films.
Film of choice: White Zombie
Starring: Bela Lugosi
Year: 1932
Despite having the '50 Horror Classic' box set for almost two years, this is the first time I have seen this and I can see why it's a classic. Bela Lugosi is ofcourse fantastic and those moments where you just see him staring at you, as he controls his zombie army, is still haunting - no special effects needed; just that perfect stare from a horror legend.
My personal favourite member of the cast was the white zombie herself, Madge Bellamy, the way she falls into her co-star's arms in her death scene shows extreme trust as she let herself go completely limp. Then her performance as a zombie was superb, she came across completely lifeless (even when she moved) and her stare equals Bela's for the haunting feeling as she seemed to stare right through (where Bela's seem to stare right into you).
The plot left something to be desired as it did not start or end well in my opinion, however I very much enjoyed it and strongly recommend that those also taking part in the 31 Nights of Horror challenge should make it part of their remaining films.