Here is the new look of horror – and a great way to celebrate “Shocktober 2016!”
All Hail New Horror Master Ben Wheatley!
If you don’t know Director Ben Wheatley, you need to in a hurry! His fourth film just won a special jury prize, and it’s a new way to make an unsettling horror film!
First, a bit about the Director:
British Director Ben Wheatley got his start doing commercials and music videos, then made several acclaimed viral videos for the web. That led to him getting the opportunity to direct features. He is a bold new talent emerging from the UK, with a distinctive style, and a twisted sense of humor!
Let’s look at his first three films quickly – all are largely overlooked here in the US, but were critical hits in England: In May 2009 he directed the feature film “Down Terrace” in eight days; it won the Next Wave prize at Fantastic Fest in Austin and Best UK Feature at Raindance in London.
Here’s the trailer:
The plot is very straightforward: A crime family looks to unmask the police informant in their midst who threatens to take down their business. It’s to Wheatley’s credit that he created a critically-acclaimed film with no time or money…
Next up is a very dark and twisted tale of revenge, murder and madness!
Kill List
“I fucking hate dirty soap.”
Nearly a year after a botched job, a hit man takes a new assignment with the promise of a big payoff for three killings. What starts off as an easy task soon unravels, sending the killer into the heart of darkness.
Here’s the trailer!
This film was released “unrated” for a reason – it’s a violent, dark and twisted thriller that doesn’t pull a punch!
It is also a horror movie of incredible intensity – see more about the film here:
And speaking of not pulling punches:
Sightseers
“Police are pursuing a ginger-faced man and an angry woman…”
Boy, are they ever! Check out the trailer!
His next movie was a perverse black comedy about two lovers who travel the British countryside, killing anyone who gets in their way…as you can see by the trailer, it’s a British “Badlands meets Natural Born Killers!”
All of this led to his next film = a low budget, black-and-white meditation on horror:
A Field In England!
Friend: You think about a thing before you touch it, am I right?
Whitehead: Is that not usual?
Friend: Not in Essex.
Check out the trailer!
Here’s the plot: fleeing for their lives, a small party abandon their Civil War confederates and escape through an overgrown field. Thinking only of what lay behind, they are ambushed by two dangerous men and made to search the field.
Psychedelia, madness and chaotic forces slowly overtake the group as they question what treasure lies within the malignant field.
Wheatley’s latest movie was the terrific “High Rise” – which is currently available on demand and Blu-ray – another terrific thriller.
if you are in the mood for more classic horror, then nothing beats this:
Yes, the film that made Frank Sinatra divorce Mia Farrow! Check out the story here:
It’s been a full “Shocktober 2016” already, and if you missed any, head to my home page to find all of them, like this subtle shocker:
Yes, one of the cinema’s most shocking films – with very little blood! Read the behind-the-scenes stories of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” here:
There are more subtle films as well, still effective horror films, like this one:
Legendary Actor George C. Scott brings gravitas to this great horror film, see the trailer here:
https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/02/shocktober-2016-haunted-house-the-changeling-spooks-day-2/
If you want something more shocking, I’ve got a good for you as well:
Try this great modern horror film, “High Tension”, by clicking here:
Lots of great horror for Halloween, including many from Ben Wheatley!
So check out this “Field In England” and get your experimental Shocktober going!
Categories: Action Films, Art, Awards, Books / Media, British Cinema, Cult Movies, Exploitation films, Film Fight Club, Film Noir, Foreign Films, Great Films, Grindhouse, Halloween, Horror films, Independent Cinema, London, Movies, Obscure Movies, Revenge Movies, Talent/Celebrities
johnrieber 
Now you’re talking, John!
I have all Wheatley’s film on DVD (except High Rise, which I will get at Christmas)
‘A Field In England’ is one of the most surreal films in decades, and the great cast make the most of the off-the-wall-story. It’s fabulous!
Best wishes, Pete.
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I just finished “Sightseers” – wow! I still have “High Rise” to go, but will soon! Thanks for your note!
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When I was in Keswick last week, I was staying close to the Pencil Museum. Made me think of that hilarious film!
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