Black Christmas
| release date | December 20 1974 |
| studio | Warner Bros. |
| director | Bob Clark |
| writer | Roy Moore |
| starring | Olivia Hussey, Keir Dullea, Margot Kidder, John Saxon, Marian Waldman, Andrea Martin |
| rating | R |
| tagline | If this movie doesn't make your skin crawl... It's On Too Tight! |
1 Comments
excellent. one of the best horrorfilms ever made.
very well done. there is alot of suspense in this movie. decent amount of blood splatter. i like how they kept the intentions and identity of the killer hidden. the audience has to guess on it. it the classic ’70′s slasher. its more on suspense and atmosphere and less on the blood and gore
One of my Favorites the voice on the phone Freaks me out every time!
I really enjoyed this. I watched it in preparation for the remake, and to be honest I liked the remake about the same. BUT, this movie is better in terms of suspense and thrills rather than over-the-top gore (which I also love). However, there were a few of those inevitable “what are they thinking?” moments that every slasher has. However, since this is pretty much the prototype slasher, maybe it can be excused.
It’s hard to write a review for Black Christmas. On one hand I thought much of the movie was a pathetic attempt at an emotional slasher film, and on the other hand there were scenes that were some of the best kill/scares in the history of horror movies. It’s almost like Black Christmas flirts with perfection then jumps back to lame subplots. Yes, I understand that this film literally invented the slasher genre, but, no, I cannot call it perfect–I can only call certain aspects perfect.
As I said, the main standout flaw is the complete lack of focus. The movie starts out in a sorority house, but from there jumps to a lot of other places to focus on characters and subplots that don’t really matter to the story at all. The whole subplot of Clare’s father coming to the sorority house was completely pointless by the end of the film, and just takes away from the actual story. The subplot between Jess and her boyfriend should have been cut much shorter, in order to, once again, focus on the actual story. Most of all, the subplot of the missing child still has nothing to do whatsoever with anything else in the film. I don’t understand why the director takes 20 minutes to go into it, when in the end, like all the other subplots, it is nothing important. It could have easily been a passing reference instead of its own section of the film. The police scenes, also, added nothing to the story except take away from the amazing atmosphere. Everything the police scenes added could have been done with phone conversations, instead of taking up half the movie time to show things the audience could have guessed. Without all these subplots the movie would have been much, much more effective and tense.
Another problem I had was the title of the film is Black Christmas, but other than the opening and one of the death scenes, nothing in this movie referenced Christmas at all. Most of the time there wasn’t even snow on the ground. It would have been so much more emotionally effective if it played into the Christmas nostalgia more than it did, but the movie made the ability to play Christmas songs more of a gimmick than a plot point.
Though I’m being negative with almost every aspect of the film, I really did enjoy part of it–the actual story. When the movie isn’t trying to have five different subplots that go nowhere, the actual core story is done to perfection. The killer, the kills, the girls, the sorority house, the phone calls, the ending–all truly perfect, and by far the greatest slasher of all time. It’s sad to see what is really a beautiful minimalist horror story turned into a bloated crime drama with more pointless subplots than kills, and that is the only thing holding this film from perfection.
Overall, I wish I could go in and just watch the actual plot happen in Black Christmas, but I can’t. Still, as much ranting as I did, there is something there that makes it better than so many movies that I’ve rated higher. Something that Hollywood forgot four decades ago. Maybe it’s the fact this movie has very little blood, but is still very effective. Or, maybe, it’s that the core plot was actually thought out, truly terrifying, emotionally captivating, and also something original that had never been done before it. I think that is it.
10/10
This is probably the most unappreciated horror movie ever made. It came out before Halloween and When A Stranger Calls and clearly inspired both films. It is also the first horror film to have the ‘killer’s point of view’ camera. And don’t think because it was made back in the seventies that it’s old and outdated. This movie is timeless and will still creep you out. Enjoy!
This is what you call a classic HORROR movie. If you are after blood, guts and gore then dont bother. what we have here is fear, suspence and edge of the seat horror. Margot Kidder is brilliant in this role and is quite funny as well. the story is so well written and the acting is spot on, it is timeless and always will be. so crack open that bottle of wine, turn down the lights and if you watch it by yourself well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You know, the more I keep seeing old-school movies, the more I realize I should have been born in another time.
When you compare it with your average horror / slasher movies of today, Black Christmas beats the crap out of pretty much all of them. Now, when you realize that this was released in 1974, it becomes more than a movie.
It becomes a statement.
This movie portrays a psychotic situation in an extremely realistic way, which used to be a distinctive feature of horror movies at the time. The emotions are appropriate and well presented, which means that both the script and the acting are quite good.
Although the main subject may seem common and even overexploited nowadays, it wasn’t like that in the seventies. Plus, Black Christmas delivers it in a rather unusual way, one we’re not used to see in the genre, even if you count movies until this date.
And it certainly doesn’t have to rely on gore or visual effects to give you the creeps, now and then, making use of some great and sometimes subtle techniques and situations.
Be sure not to miss it.
And, if you have the chance, make sure to watch it with your family on a cozy Christmas’s eve night.
They’re gonna love it.
And who knows, you might even feel in the mood for some role playing afterwards.
At least that’s what I would do.
Except I don’t believe in Christmas.
Great
Great
Is Black Christmas the greatest slasher flick of all time? It’s quite possible. It is hard to choose between Halloween and this one. They are both perfect. But when it’s 2 in the morning and I can’t sleep, I always seem to put in Black Christmas and sit there like a kid watching cartoons. It’s so perfect, I would put it on par with the best horror movies made. I just can’t believe it exists. When I think of horror, this always comes to mind. Not only is it scary, but it has great acting, especially the amazing Margot Kidder. For me, she is the real scream queen. Her character is so funny and obnoxious, but smart and extremely attractive at the same time. And she nails the role. And the writing and direction are something of great skill. This is definately Bob Clark’s best work. I like that other Christmas movie he made, but this is his crowning achievement.
Good but not great!
Watched this for the first time last night, and boy does it stand the test of time. Its very unsettling, realistic, and seems to have the perfect pace. I was pretty well glued to the screen for the entire film. It was never an issue during the viewing that the film had little gore. It just wasn’t necessary. This is a slasher film done right.
I don’t enjoy many slashers, but this is way up there with Halloween, and I can see its influence on that film as well.
Certainly 10/10 for me.
The original slahser and its clear where Halloween took its ideas from. This has such a creepy, unsettling feel to it as the film kicks off with POV shots of the killer approaching the house and making his way in through an upstairs window and the uneasy feeling doesn’t stop. This isn’t a cheap horror as it’s clear through the terrific script that events are portrayed ultra realistic and that makes the situations the characters face even more scarier. The motivation of the killer is rather suprising for the time this was made , again adding to realism. The cast perform well especially Margot Kidder, Olivia Hussey and the always reliable John Saxon. The lack of gore doesn’t even detract from the uncomfortable feeling of dread that is portrayed in this film, just listen to the phone voice and that alone will give you nightmares for weeks. This is a horror film done properly through great casting, a realistic premise, excellent scripting and direction. One of the best horros of the 70′s along side Halloween, TCM and When A Stranger Calls. Its just sad that this truly original film gets overlooked so often.
Kids today who are hooked on Roth, Zombie and the Saw movies have no idea what great horror is and I suggest start looking back at the 70′s,the golden age of Horror and start with this timless classic
not a bad film good for its day
Classic. Genius. The epitome of what slasher films aspire to be; and it manages to do so without buckets of blood. From what I understand Halloween was originally a sequel to this but they sold the script and John Carpenter got a hold of it.
Oh and When a Stranger Calls ripped this movie off verbatim.
very scary and definitely a slasher classic.
Black Christmas was absolutely a terrific slasher film! You got to believe that When A Stranger Calls took the idea from this movie. The only disappointing thing about Black Christmas is that you never got to know who the killer. Also I don’t know if that makes the movie more a mystery than a horror film, but it is still one of the greats in Horror History!
Absolute the creepiest slasher movie. Also I believe this is the most well-made. The suspense was excellent.
Great great movie.
If I had to pick a favorite horror film of all time, it could quite possibly be “Black Christmas.” This movie delivers and does what most horror films can only attempt to do. It’s creepy, it’s witty, it’s funny, it’s PERFECT. I’ve seen countless horror films and only a few actually give me that feeling of absolute dread and terror that this film does. I dare even the most seasoned horror buff to watch this alone with all the lights out and NOT get the chills when the killer “Billy” shows us just how scary phone calls can be. Those who have seen this film know what I’m talking about, the phone calls just leave you spooked out of your mind. I won’t give to much away, but this film also has one of the best executed endings in film history. Period. I still find myself pulling this classic out every year around Christmas time in anticipation of the holidays. Unlike most people that watch Rudolph or Frosty to celebrate the coming season, I can be found with Bob Clarks perfect slasher classic “Black Christmas” playing over and over while I patiently await for Christmas morning, and hope to God I don’t answer the phone and hear the words, “It’s me Billy”…
slasher classic!
For the first slasher movie, that is tame on the blood, it packs a visceral scary and original punch!
One of the greatest horror films ever made. You could argue that there might not be a Halloween, Friday the 13th or any of the others that came with them without this flick.
Great slasher classic. Started the slasher genre.
Quite simply one of the finest horror films ever made. Unnerving, suspenseful and one of the earliest examples of the slasher subgenre, everyone should see Black Christmas.
Wonderfully dark, scary, and dripping with style, this is the film that I consider one of my all time favorite slashers. It still gives me the creeps everytime I watch it around the Holidays.
Fellatio anyone?
The original slasher. Genuinely creepy… excellent Christmas atmosphere… wonderfully directed… Go buy this.
Creepy as hell,first time i saw this movie was back in 2002,i saw a movie as a child called Tales from the Crypt and in one of the stories theres this women that kills her husband,this is set on christmas,so as she’s hiding the body theres a maniac outside dressed as santa and so a couple of years later i realized heyy yeah ive never seen a horror movie set on christmas.So i went to buy this one that my friend recommended called Black Christmas and to this day is one of my favorites. must see.
This is my favorite horror film EVER! I can find nothing to complain about. The acting was great. Olivia Hussey and Margot Kidder are terrific in their roles. Marian Waldman (as Mrs. Mac) definitely steals the show as the comic relief (Kidder comes in second). I’m not really a fan of comic relief in horror films but here it works. The characters were so well layered and developed. You truly cared about them. The atmosphere and music were top-notch starting with the opening of the house as ‘Silent Night’ plays during the credits. Well paced, directed and very suspenseful. I love that the villain is left to the imagination and nothing is explained about him. It makes the story more mysterious and intriguing without all the answers. Halloween has been given all the credit over the years for being the “original” slasher or the one that started it all. I’m glad Black Christmas is starting to get its much deserved recognition. I love Halloween, but to me Black Christmas is a step above it due to the memorable characters.
I did enjoy this film but it’s not the sort of film i’d watch again, it was a bit slow and dull in places but I did enjoy it! I don’t think it’s as good as everyone makes out it to be. It has some good suspensful moments and the last 30minutes will keep you on the edge of your seats!
A great film to watch a christmas!
I loved it
Black Christmas was a bit dragged out. The obseen phone calls were very unnerving but the movie itself is highly overrated. I can see how people could say this started the slasher subgenre and if it wasnt for Black Christmas, there would be no Halloween and Friday the 13th and stuff like that but there are so many better slasher movies than this. All in All, Black Christmas has its moments where it can be scary and sometimes terryfying but it just wasnt everything people make it out to be.
Black Christmas is a creepy look at a strange man and his insane nature. The phone calls were very disturbing, at times hard to understand but made them that much more scary. The camera point of view from the killer’s eyes was great, in focus and not all over the place. The kills were not all seen but definatly the ones we did were good. For being what it is (An original horror classic christmas story) I loved it. Lives up to the hype for me.
The Real first slasher. But not as good as Halloween.
All too often described as the “first slasher,” I will readily debate this. An excellent slasher film made in 1974, it is predated by Mario Bava’s “Twitch of the Death Nerve” (aka Bay of Blood) by 2 years. If watched, it is nearly impossible to deny as the birth of the slasher movie. The original Friday the 13th even borrowed most of it’s kills directly from the italian masterpiece.
Anyway, with that said and the confusion cleared up, I do not mean to discount the beauty and importance of Black Christmas. This is one of the 2 films that helped to define the Slasher genre early on and it still holds up to this day. With creepy atmosphere galore, this film is a “must add” to anyone’s holiday horror viewing collection.
One of the most unsettling slashers ever! It’s what a slasher should be, and it’s acually frightening. Watch it near Christmas, you’ll love it!
Wow, such an atmospheric and suspenseful movie. I understand this is a classic that introduced alot of elements that would get used later in other movies. It’s done so well here, though. The killer (Billy) is so creepy and insane, and the fact you never really see him adds to the creepiness. The phonecalls are very well done and one of the best parts of the movie. Margot Kidder was really funny, too.
I have to give this 10/10, it’s one of my new fave slasher/horror movies.
One of the most unbelvieble Unimat Slasher Movie that I have ever seen on of my fav and am on this path of one of the best unkown cult classic start of all salsher movie terffic acting and drictoring and is very errie and twisted, its genuis. One of the best scary/thriliing early 70′s and Fuckin love this cult film one of the best ou there still scarys me today!!!
Watching Bob Clark’s film one cannot help but see that many elements that would be employed in later slasher films, most notably Halloween and When a Stranger Calls. These parts seem cliché now, and it is important to remember how novel they were at the time of the film’s creation. Viewers accustomed to the genre will see the twist ending coming from far away, but it is so effectively executed that the emotional impact still resonates. Though in terms of gore the film is quite tame, it succeeds in creating suffocating tension and atmosphere. A tight script holds the film together and develops an ensemble of sympathetic characters played by capable actresses who, unlike later films of the same ilk, make rational decisions that do not knowingly place their lives in danger. Margot Kidder, especially, is genuinely funny in her wise-cracking role. The killer, “Billy,” regularly harasses the sorority girls with phone calls that, even in this desensitized era, are unnerving. He is seen only in shadows, save for a creepy shot of his eye through a door crack, and demonstrates that lesson that is too often forgotten by modern horror filmmakers – sometimes, less is more. Truly, this is a fine example of quality 1970′s horror.
B
Although it is being called a “slasher” film, I found the atmosphere and tension around the killer FAR more creepy than the initial “slashing.” Keeping the killer in the dark and placing more terror in the telephone calls and lurking was what sold me on this classic.
My only complaint would be the lack of tying off the ends to the plot. I usually like this approach, but found it irritating in this case.
The one movie that set the ball rolling for the slasher genre. It has its dull moments, and some of the characters are pretty annoying, but overall its a nice suspense-movie with a great deranged killer, eerie atmosphere and some fantastically disturbing obscene phone calls.
CLASSIC!!!!!
Black Christmas is known for being the first slasher film that was properly made. Although it had its gaps where a lot of information is never explained, and at times it was a bit slow-paced, I would recommend this movie to anyone who hasn’t already seen it that is looking to enjoy a great slasher film. Even if someone saw the 2006 remake of the film, they should still see this 1974 classic because the two are not very similar to one another. The ending leaves the viewer thinking and is one that will not be forgotten. Overall, this 1974 masterpiece gets a 10/10 from me, along with a spot on my favorite slasher films list.
Black Christmas, the iconic ’74 classic that put a staple on the slasher genre and was even the introduction to the genre? Although, the question we’ve all been waiting for: Is it as great as everyone claims it to be? Yes. This ’70s slasher is a terrific film that has great performances, an inventive premise, and a creepy, atmospheric tone to it. It is as every bit as good as people make it out to be.
First let’s get to the positives, which there are plenty. The acting, for once, is very impressive. I cared for every character and this movie was nothing short of character development. Secondly, I thought the story was great. No movie at the time revolved around the same premise, which was refreshing. Thirdly, the movie relies on atmosphere and tension, rather than the cliche jump scares or gratuitous blood spray. Such an amazing movie. This movie also side skirts cliches, is inventive, and the characters are actually very intelligent and have good survival instincts.
Although, I did find a few flaws, albeit they’re minor. First of all, I know that most 70′s and 80′s slashers are slow paced, but this movie’s pacing is way too slow. There’s a kill in the first ten minutes, then there’s a whole twenty minutes until we get into some other action. And then we have to wait for about thirty more minutes for something else to happen. The film is very tediously paced. And lastly, I thought there was too much sexual dialogue. I know the “moaners” are suppose to be perverted, but wow, the movie really crossed the boundary.
Overall, Black Christmas is just amazing as everyone else says. It has some pretty cool kills, an inventive premise, and some really good performances. The movie is highly creepy because of its atmosphere and tone. Aside from pacing and some dialogue issues, this movie comes highly recommended.
This is quite the classic. It helped to establish, and fuel, the Slasher genre. The one outstanding aspect of this movie is that it doesn’t follow into the cliche of others that followed: the ending has no closure. It’s left open. If only more movies took the time to remove themselves from tired structure and stereotypes.
I thought this was a bit dull,(not that the film has nothing going for it.) It is after all one of the first of it’s genre,if not THE first, and the performances are pretty good, and it’s even funny at times, but the pace is too slow. It lacks suspense and drama, and it’s not particularly scary. Still, people seem to love it.
This one is directed by the guy who made “A Christmas Story”! In less capable hands this movie would be pure shit. However, director Bob Clark ramps up the tension to a great degree and makes this movie one of the best slasher flicks ever. Great cast too. Well worth your time.
Not to be confused with “Silent NIght, Deadly Night”. See that one for shits and giggles, too.
Saw this for the first time not too long ago, as I had seen the remake and was put off by how rubbish that was. This was amazing, not been this scared in a long time.
I watched this movie for the first time yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised. At first, I was thinking: This movie looks like it MUST have been made in the early 70′s. But wait, slashers didn’t become popular until the late 70′s and early 80′s. So, that means that this particular film must be way ahead of it’s time. This train of thought gave me a unique perspective as I watched, and I thought it was wonderful! The atmosphere was creepy, the acting was good, and I LOVE the way they handled the ending. If this one would have come out 10-15 years later, it wouldn’t have been near as big of deal…but the fact that it was pretty much first is just so significant. It’s a fun watch and I look forward to giving it a second viewing.
Creepy Canadian Classic! EH!
one of the best movies ever!!
A pioneer of the “slasher” genre, this film really sets the bar high for what other films need to live up to. Equal parts camp and creepy, a holiday classic that still holds up 35 years later. more ifnormation here:
http://thewolfmancometh.com/2010/11/22/black-christmas-1974/
‘Girls in a sorority house are individually stalked by an unknown killer and is finally seemingly defeated by a virginal young girl.’
Whenever, I watch or read anything about the slasher genre, I get really annoyed when they say that Halloween kick started the whole slasher genre. Technically, Peeping Tom or Psycho laid down the basic conventions of a slasher, but Black Christmas (as my DVD cover says), is ‘The Original stalk and slash movie’. The laws of the elaborate and augmented murder scenes, the final girl character who inevitabely defeats the killer, and all the others that have now been used (literally) to death can all be seen in Black Christmas.
The casting, cinematography and the music is all perfect. When I was 12, the beginning establishing shots of the sorority house scared the hell out of me. Not the lighting, or the scene, but the rendition of ‘Silent Night’ playing over the tracking shots of the house. Looking back in hindsight, the beautiful singing of the carol is completely contrapuntal to the violent, and for the times, bloody murder scenes which were to follow later in the movie.
Black Christmas is a definitive cult classic in the same league as Evil Dead, and is still terrifying 37 years on.
”If this movie doesn’t make your skin crawl, it’s on too tight”
An extremely creepy, disturbing and a great horror classic from the 70′s. Great cast, acting and more!
Great atmosphere, even for a movie from the mid 70′s. For it’s time, it was one of the most disturbing movies out there, and in some ways it still manages to work up a scare.
This holiday slasher is not to be missed, a true classic!
“Black Christmas” Is hands down the most original horror movie ever made.
Certainly the birth of the slasher. They didn’t have to rely on gore to scare or shock you.
The voice on the phone was enough to make your skin crawl. As much as I loved “When A Stranger Calls and Halloween, I must say this movie paved the way for them both and many a film to come,”Sorority girls being killed”, a fortune has been made off of that premise alone. Kudos to this piece of horror genius and slasher royalty.
By far, the greatest slasher movie ever made BAR NONE (sorry, Halloween). This is a staple not only for slasher, but also for horror genre itself. Despite not being a home invasion movie, this puts every home invasion movie in existence to shame. In my book, one of the scariest horror gem ever fabricated to cinematic saga.
GREAT GREAT movie. remake was a horrible abortion.
watch the original
All of the below comments go for me as well. I have no idea why on TV we can see Halloween every October, Frday the 13th marathons every f13, psycho on the classic channels, and Chainsaw on the Indie channels. This one seems to have been forgotten, even though it really did pave the way for an entire genre. Why doesn’t American Movie Classics play this one every December? It is in its own right a true classic. What I liked about this was the characterizations, subtleties and social aspects. The viewer knows and cares about the characters. One sister (Barb) obviously had a messed up up-bringing and now has a drinking problem. The main character has, well, gotten into some unplanned trouble. I actually see an implied gay-worship of Margot Kidder’s character (Barb) from Andrea Martin’s character (Phyl). Remember that the slasher “rules” really weren’t established until Halloween… so anything goes. It’s actually the sensible virginal character who dies first in this. The main girl is, well, not a virgin. Now the social point: this movie was made… 1974… right on the coat tails of Roe vs. Wade. The subject of abortion is now explored in cinema. It’s a woman’s choice, but what are the father’s rights in this situation? Is there some sort of moral lesson (not unlike the later slasher staple “premarital sex = death” premise?) So it’s deep too. The imagery of the first suffocated victim on a rocking chair (referred to throughout the movie until literally the final cut) is iconic and goose-bump provoking. I gave this a 9 instead of a 10 because I wish they made the ending – creepy as it was – a little more logical (who leaves a girl who was just attacked alone in bed and not in the hospital?). I felt like they wrapped it up too quickly just as the action was about to go down. But let’s get back to the ggood and great aspects… Black Christmas influences so much: the “The calls are coming from inside the house” phone call from the police, the doomed “Who’s there?” exploration, the cat jumping out instead of the killer cheap thrill, the final girl walking into the room with her dead friends before the showdown with the killer. It’s all here… and for the first time. The blood is minimal, but there. I loved it! One word: GEM! I just wish it wasn’t such a forgotten gem-gone- underground, because it really deserves more respect than that. I’m ashamed to say that I am such a horror buff, and only caught this one very recently. It’s a must-see for any fan of the slasher, or just plain horror or home-invasion thriller, genre. Great stuff.
Who says all Christmas movies need to be sentimental and sweet? “Black Christmas” is a rather tasteless holiday outing that is perhaps only tasteless because of its genre; horror. How many Christmas horror movies have you seen? There are a few, but this is the best out of all of them. It was directed by Bob Clark, who if you saw his soon-to-come “A Christmas Story”, you’d know is very fond of the Christmas holiday, yet he’s not afraid to be daring and make a film that satirizes or exploits the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of the times.
“A Christmas Story” is a film as hilarious as this one is scary. It’s not exactly as true to the Christmas spirit as Clark’s more successful film is, but that doesn’t make it any less interesting. In fact, “Black Christmas” is more than likely one of the best slasher films around. It is known to have “started it all”. It set some pretty good standards for slasher films such as “Halloween” and “Friday the 13th” by taking influence from the earlier film, “Psycho”, and putting a unique spin on its tale of psychopathic murder. And like some of the greater horror films, “Black Christmas” is not a gore-fest; and it merely implies most of its violent material. Also, this movie is scary; unlike so many of its imitators. Naturally, I had a good time with it. It was a fun, smart horror movie that deserves all the recognition it can get, although I don’t think it’s QUITE a perfect movie.
A sorority house is terrorized by an odd, deranged killer throughout the film. The crazy bastard begins his reign of terror through vulgar phone-calls. Whenever the girls pick up one of his “calls”, they’re quick to put the phone right back down. Their initial reaction, as forever-drunk college kids, is to call the guy on the other line a “pervert”. I’m sure this both angers and pleasures the caller, and he doesn’t stop terrorizing through the phone-lines.
The killer begins to murder sorority girls one-by-one. He starts with a particularly pretty girl, and makes good use of plastic sheeting. You’ll know what I mean when you see the film. There are some solid characters involved here, but what Clark and his movie are interested in the most is whether the film actually works for its genre. And guess what; it does work.
The best scenes involve the killer stalking his prey. Its shot in first-person view; and for some reason, I found the feel of these scenes and sequences quite hypnotic. This technique has been used before, and it has been re-used just as well. But it works exceptionally well here; just like everything else. “Black Christmas” is a well-made and perhaps even well-written slasher film that ranks amongst one of the finer, if not finest entries for its little sub-genre.
Oh, and then there’s the nail-biting suspense. I love when a film chooses atmosphere and tension over gore, and there was once a day, “back-in-the-day”, when there were many films that chose wisely. This is one of them. As I already mentioned, it’s not a particularly gruesome movie; but it’s not a silent night, nor is it a holy night. It’s a wild one; and a worthy one. “Black Christmas” is an easy must-see for any hardcore horror fan; and it deserves its label as a classic. The only minor problem I have with it is that it kind of stalls a little during the third act, which is still entertaining, but not nearly as much as the first two. Nevertheless, “Black Christmas” is high on both scares and holiday anti-spirit. Distasteful, yes, but also a very good example of what to expect from its genre.
Starring: Olivia Hussey, Margot Kidder, John Saxon, Art Hindle, Kier Dullea
Directed By: Rob Clark
Written By: Roy Moore
The original “Black Christmas” premiered in 1974 and has been both frightening audiences and influencing film makers ever since. Together with Mario Bavas “Twitch of the Death Nerve”, “Black Christmas may be the most influential slasher film of all time.
The plot is simple : in the winter of 1974 a small New England college is rocked by a series of grisly murders taking place at a local sorority house. The question is who would want these young girls dead and why would they do it?
A virtual who’s who of B-List cinema populates the film. A pre-Superman Margot Kidder, a post 2001, Keir Dullea, and a pre-Nightmare On Elm Street John Saxon are just a few of the faces you might recognize populating the film. Then there is Olivia Hussey. She is the glue that holds the film together. Striking the perfect balance between (somewhat) innocent ingenue and scared to death potential murder victim. She steals every scene shes in, particularly after the gruesome dispatching of Margot Kidder.
Influential in every way possible, there is hardly a scene that goes by where you won’t find something that’s been directly ripped off and used in another film. Jason Vorhees’ first hand “vision” – check. Michael Myers silent stalking – check. Numerous films hacking faceless sorority girls to shreds- check. Even Han Solos pimp line from “Empire Strikes Back” where Leia says “I Love You” and he responds “I know” – is taken word for word from this film.
Then there is the ending. After setting up a certain character as a red herring for most of the film – going so far as to have the protagonist actually kill him, there turn out to be more questions than answers.
http://riotonsunset.blogspot.com/2011_02_01_archive.html
“It’s me, Billy”
Before A Christmas Story, Bob Clark made this classic pre-Halloween holiday slasher film. That makes it the first of its kind. This movie has such a creepy atmosphere to it and a killer that is truly haunting. This is the movie that I, and horror fans like me, watch on the holidays. 10/10
Classic movie, everything about Black Christmas is awesome.
The classic that started it all.
A classic for a reason – clear inspiration for so many horror conventions, but despite it this movie still works well on its own. A genuinely creepy and screwed up killer, a real, simple story, developed characters and great pacing – even when you know its coming you’re still anxious. A great reminder that you don’t need a fast pace and buckets of blood to make a scary film (as much as I do love buckets of blood). Love what’s left unseen and the ending (even if I was kind of thinking “come on”!). A definite must for your horror education and entertainment.
I loved this movie, I thought it was creepy.
A classic horror movie. The acting, atmosphere, location, music, everything is perfect!