Tobe Hooper's Terrifying Legacy: Exploring the Best Horror Movies from the Mastermind

Tobe Hooper's Terrifying Legacy: Exploring the Best Horror Movies from the Mastermind

Tobe Hooper, a visionary filmmaker and a true master of horror, has left an indelible mark on the genre with his unique storytelling and innovative approach to filmmaking. Born on January 25, 1943, in Austin, Texas, Hooper's contribution to the world of horror has been both iconic and influential. This article delves into some of Tobe Hooper's best horror movies, showcasing his ability to instill fear and captivate audiences with his distinctive style.

1. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974):

Tobe Hooper's breakout film, "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," is often hailed as one of the most influential horror movies of all time. Released in 1974, this low-budget masterpiece redefined the slasher genre, introducing audiences to Leatherface, a chainsaw-wielding killer, and his deranged family. The film's gritty, documentary-style approach and relentless tension make it a timeless classic that continues to terrify and inspire filmmakers to this day.

2. Poltergeist (1982):

In collaboration with Steven Spielberg, Tobe Hooper directed the supernatural horror film "Poltergeist." Released in 1982, the movie revolves around a suburban family whose home is invaded by malevolent spirits. While Spielberg's influence is evident in the film's heartwarming family dynamics, Hooper's touch brings a darker and more intense edge to the supernatural occurrences. "Poltergeist" remains a benchmark in haunted house cinema, blending scares with emotional depth.

3. Salem's Lot (1979):

Based on Stephen King's novel of the same name, "Salem's Lot" is a two-part television miniseries that showcases Tobe Hooper's talent for adapting written material into gripping visual narratives. The story revolves around a writer who returns to his hometown, only to discover that a vampire is turning its residents into the undead. Hooper's atmospheric direction and skillful pacing make "Salem's Lot" a standout entry in the vampire horror subgenre.

4. Eaten Alive (1976):

Following the success of "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," Hooper continued to explore the theme of madness in the swamps of Texas with "Eaten Alive." This exploitation horror film features a deranged hotel owner who feeds his guests to a giant crocodile. While not as widely celebrated as some of Hooper's other works, "Eaten Alive" is notable for its unrelenting tension and unsettling atmosphere, showcasing the director's ability to create horror in diverse settings.

5. The Funhouse (1981):

"The Funhouse" sees Hooper venturing into the realm of carnival horror. This slasher film follows a group of teenagers who decide to spend the night in a carnival funhouse, only to encounter a deformed killer. With its blend of suspense, carnival aesthetics, and gruesome kills, "The Funhouse" stands out as an underrated gem in Tobe Hooper's filmography, showcasing his versatility within the horror genre.

Tobe Hooper's legacy as a master of horror endures through his groundbreaking contributions to the genre. From the gritty terror of "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" to the supernatural chills of "Poltergeist," Hooper's films continue to terrify and inspire new generations of horror enthusiasts. His unique vision, storytelling prowess, and ability to tap into primal fears have solidified his place as a true maestro of horror cinema. Tobe Hooper's impact on the genre is undeniable, and his best horror movies remain essential viewing for anyone seeking a spine-chilling cinematic experience.

Review: Pet Sematary (1989)

Pet Sematary (1989)

Director: Mary Lambert

Writer: Stephen King (based on his book)

Stars: Fred Gwynne, Dale Midkiff, Denise Crosby

Pet Sematary isn’t that good of a movie.  It is, however, a really good horror movie and a great adaptation of a book Stephen King hated writing.  Perhaps this is why King opted to write the screenplay himself, figuring if such a heinous tale was to be put on screen, he might as well do it right.  He even appears in the movie as a priest.  

The opening credits and soundtrack set the tone beautifully for what is a highly depressing and frightening endeavor.  We then meet the main players, including Jud Crandall, played wonderfully by Fred Gwynne, easily one of the best screen versions of a Stephen King character.  There’s also Louis Creed: doctor and family man, his wife Rachel, kids, cat, station wagon, etc.  Originally from Chicago, they relocate to Maine and settle into a house with a very odd path out back, a path to a cemetery for pets, misspelled “Pet Sematary” by local heartbroken youngsters.  The “sematary” naturally leaves a bad taste in everyone’s mouth, especially when the Creed’s own cat, Church, is run over by an eighteen-wheeler on Thanksgiving.  After hearing some local legends from Jud, Louis chooses not to bury Church in the harmless children's pet sematary, but an ancient Micmac burial ground instead.  This burial ground is known to bring back the dead, only what it brings back usually isn’t for the better.  In a desperate attempt to salvage his daughter’s pet, Louis buries Church exactly where he shouldn’t and keeps it to himself.  Amazingly enough, Church does return from the dead, smelling like shit and with a really bad attitude.  Let’s just say no one in the Creed household will be taking a relaxing bath any time soon.

The story then takes a dark detour about halfway through, when Louis’ son Gage, practically a baby, is run over and killed by the same kind of truck that killed Church.  The way I recall seeing this scene for the first time, my inner monologue went something like this: “He’s not really gonna get run over by...yep, he just got run over by the truck.”

No surprise to those who’ve read the book first, but I had not at the time, and it’s just something you don’t see very often in any movie.  Hell, I thought this movie was about a killer cat!  Gage’s funeral is yet another disaster and it’s clear where Louis plans on burying his son’s body.

Did I mention Louis does all this despite a strict warning not to by the ghost of a dead jogger?  His name is Pascow, and even though his brain literally dangles from his bleeding skull, he’s a pretty nice guy.  In the first act, Pascow pretty much flatlines on Louis’ nurses' office table, after being hit by none other than a giant truck.  He wakes up dead and swears his allegiance to Louis.  All he wants to do is help, and perhaps had he made any attempt to be less creepy, Louis would have heeded his warnings properly.  Instead, Louis does nothing but piss on Pascow’s advice, which ultimately gets him, and the entire family killed.  

The plot of Pet Sematary, a cemetery that brings back the (evil) dead, is undeniably scary.  What’s interesting is that the scariest scenes don’t necessarily directly relate to said plotline.  For many, the most memorable scene of the movie is Rachel’s flashback about her dead, reptilian sister, Zelda.  Just thinking her name makes me shudder, and she’s put a dark cloud over the classic Nintendo game, that’s for sure.  But this scene, along with the unsettling suicidal hanging of housekeeper Missy Dandridge, could’ve easily been cut from the movie and not taken away a single thing...except for two of the scariest scenes.  They work more as subtext, providing some insight into Rachel’s past and feelings about death.  Other scenes involving stories relayed to Louis via Jud, are scarier than the entire third act, which features slasher Gage going to town with a scalpel.

There are some movies I distinctly recall seeing for the first time.  Pet Sematary was on a Saturday evening, I’m guessing around 7pm (although my instincts are 5pm), and on television.  It’s actually not a bad movie to suffer through a TV edit, as it’s not too gruesome, nor does it have much profanity, so for the most part it’s all there.  Already a big horror fan by age 8 or 9, and knowing what Pet Sematary was, I didn’t have particular interest in it; I just sat there and started watching as it came on because I didn’t feel like getting up.  Needless to say, I never did get up, nor do I remember at what point the power came back on.  Imagine sitting there, a little kid, getting a real big kick outta a horror flick you’re not supposed to be watching, TV edit or not, loving every minute of it, fully aware getting sleep will be difficult tonight but making the gamble anyway.  Successfully making it through the entire thing, almost turning it off several times, I finally get up and due to some summer or fall wind (this is why I can’t pinpoint a 5pm or 7pm start time) the power goes black just as the sun has officially vanquished.  It was like something out of a horror movie!

That’s how I remember Pet Sematary and probably always will (and nothing beats that peaceful Paramount jingle at the beginning).

- Peter DiGiovanni

Trailer:

Needful Things (1993): A Devilish Delight of Desires and Destruction

Needful Things (1993): A Devilish Delight of Desires and Destruction

Released in 1993, "Needful Things" is a film adaptation of Stephen King's novel of the same name. Directed by Fraser C. Heston, the movie takes audiences on a dark and twisted journey into the quaint town of Castle Rock, where a mysterious shop called Needful Things opens its doors, promising to fulfill the deepest desires of its customers. As the film unfolds, it explores themes of temptation, greed, and the consequences of succumbing to one's darkest desires.

The story revolves around Leland Gaunt (played by Max von Sydow), the enigmatic and malevolent proprietor of Needful Things. Gaunt sets up shop in Castle Rock, offering a wide array of peculiar and seemingly magical items that cater to the personal desires of the townspeople. However, the catch is that these items come with a hefty price, not just in monetary terms but in the form of dark and destructive deeds that the customers must carry out.

The unsuspecting residents of Castle Rock fall prey to Gaunt's manipulative schemes, resulting in a series of escalating conflicts and tragedies. The town becomes a battleground of chaos and destruction as neighbors turn against each other, driven by their insatiable desires and the sinister influence of the mysterious shopkeeper.

The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Ed Harris as Sheriff Alan Pangborn and Bonnie Bedelia as Polly Chalmers. Each character is uniquely crafted, and their personal struggles and vulnerabilities are brought to the forefront as they grapple with the temptations presented by Needful Things.

Sheriff Pangborn, in particular, emerges as a central figure trying to maintain order in the face of escalating chaos. His determination to uncover the truth behind the town's descent into madness provides a compelling anchor for the narrative. The dynamic performances of the cast contribute significantly to the film's eerie atmosphere and emotional depth.

"Needful Things" explores timeless themes of human nature, morality, and the consequences of unchecked desires. The film serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the destructive power of greed and the ease with which individuals can be manipulated when their deepest longings are exploited.

As with many Stephen King adaptations, "Needful Things" successfully captures the author's ability to blend horror, psychological tension, and complex character dynamics. The film stays true to King's exploration of the darker aspects of human nature, making it a compelling addition to the cinematic adaptations of his work.

"Needful Things" stands out as a chilling and thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche, wrapped in the trappings of supernatural horror. The film's atmospheric tension, coupled with strong performances and a gripping narrative, ensures that it remains a memorable entry in the Stephen King film canon. For those intrigued by tales of temptation, moral dilemmas, and the thin line between desire and destruction, "Needful Things" remains a devilishly delightful cinematic experience.