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Dario Argento describes Phenomena as his favourite film. Free from the usual restraining elements of family or collaborators, he allows his imagination and inventiveness to run riot. Whilst this makes for a much more surreal and innovative experience, it’s fair to say that it’s not one of his most cohesive or coherent films he’s made. …

Frank Henenlotter is a name you may not be familiar with unless you’re a devotee of horror cinema. However, for genre fans he’s an extremely popular figure; still regularly attending film festivals. Undoubtedly best-known for Basket Case, its sequels, and Frankenhooker, Henenlotter considers himself to be a purveyor of exploitation cinema. However, as Brain Damage …

Christopher Lee was the most iconic face of horror cinema. He was one of the most prolific actors around in a career in film and television which spanned eight decades. His face, voice and figure is synonymous with terror. Lee’s career began to hit its stride in the late ‘50s/early ‘60s. He’s best-known for his …

The 1950s was a boomtime for science fiction and horror cinemas. In the aftermath of the Second World War and in the nuclear shadow, there was a new generation with an appetite for escapism. Films such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Creature from the Black Lagoon and The Thing from Another Planet packed out …

Today, Spanish horror cinema is very much on the map. Films such as The Devil’s Backbone, Thesis, Rec, Pan’s Labyrinth and The Orphanage have seeped into mainstream consciousness. However, back when Juan Piquer Simon’s Pieces was released in 1982, Spain was a relative unknown in genre cinema. Which was a shame, as there were some …

Considered by many critics to be his best film, Hannah and Her Sisters is also one of Woody Allen’s greatest Box Office successes. As with much of his work over that period, the irrepressible optimist cast his (then) partner Mia Farrow as one of the leads. Allen himself also features in a supporting role. It …

Since the inception of cinema, there has been directors and writers intent on pushing boundaries; both in terms of taste and extremes. Whilst films such as The Devils, Cannibal Holocaust, Life of Brian, The Exorcist, or Last Tango in Paris have lost their shock value over the years, there are a few which have retained …

Vincent Price longed to be taken seriously as an actor. Although he made his name epitomising sinister in horror films, in his heart he wanted to compete with the best of his generation. Whilst films such as House of Wax, The Abominable Dr. Phibes, House of Usher and Witchfinder General made his name, Price was …

Today, John Lithgow is probably best known for his work on the small screen. Whilst he’s currently gracing our screens in his Emmy-nominated role as Winston Churchill in The Crown, Lithgow also delivered eye-catching performances in 3rd Rock from the Sun and Dexter. He still pops-up in films now and again, but his more prominent …

Sam Peckinpah was one of the most unpredictable enigmas of American cinema. Characterised by their extreme violence and unique visual brush strokes, his films were often brutal and controversial. Whilst he amassed a cult following with the likes of The Wild Bunch, Cross of Iron, Straw Dogs and Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, Peckinpah …