Horror Roundtable - Week Twenty-Two
Name an actor or actress whose perfomance in a horror movie you feel has been largely overlooked.
I’m partial to Kelli Maroney’s performances in two films - NIGHT OF THE COMET where she kept our interest despite the fact she was a vapid valley girl (or maybe because..?) and ZERO BOYS which was made by my old boss, Nico Mastorakis. I know the film well having seen it over and over at the old Omega House in West Hollywood. She was vulnerable and yet determined and really elevated the simple plot and cheap thrills. It was a fun potboiler.
I think Eric Freeman’s performance as Ricky in Silent Night, Deadly Night 2 is one of the most fun performances in a horror movie EVER. I have no idea if Freeman is pulling one over on the audience or not with his mugging and exaggerated expressions and the nonsensical cadence he gives to virtually every line reading, but man. It’s a virtuoso performance that propels the movie from “bad” to “so bad it’s good”. I love it. Eric Freeman needs to make more movies RIGHT NOW.
I don’t know if it can be called “overlooked” or not, but I’m also in love with Deborah Foreman’s performance as Muffy/Buffy in April Fool’s Day. I think that’s a generally overlooked fun slasher flick, and Foreman just steals the show. She’s creepy even when she’s not trying to be, and her take as crazy Buffy is one of the few where the character actually seems INSANE. There’s tons of good things to say about April Fool’s Day, but Foreman is boss! She needs to make more movies RIGHT NOW as well.
Craig Wasson in BODY DOUBLE. It’s the right performance from the right actor in the right role in a great De Palma bloodbath. Every link in that chain has been roundly criticized by one reviewer or another. Well, they’re all wrong. It works.
David Z. - Tomb It May Concern
Anthony Franciosa as Alan Foster in Antonio Margheriti’s Web Of The Spider. Yes, Web is a remake of Margheriti’s earlier hit, Castle Of Blood… but it has a funk all on its own and is one of my favorite EuroGothHorrors. Franciosa pulls the movie along in almost every scene (when Klaus Kinski isn’t huffing and chuffing as Poe) and makes the film work simply by his reactions to the spooky surroundings. Be sure to look for an uncut print in Italian-most PD versions are clunky pan and scanned and censored versions. A great film that needs a fair evaluation in the new digital age.
Gary Wintle
Warwick Davis, for sure! While among many circle he is in fact a god, for many he hides behind many of our favourite creatures. Leprechaun!!!!
It’s quality over quantity this week. Makes me want to run out and discover some new talent. Thanks to those who contributed, and happy holidays to my American neighbours!