Heartless and Waiting

This weekend I watched one of the best films I've seen for some time, Heartless. I can't believe Clive Barker didn't write this. 

Terrifying, disturbing, emotional and visceral - set in East London it tells the story of a young man whose face is half-masked with a vivid birthmark that extends to cover part of his upper body. Is the demon he meets real, and are the terrifying creatures he sees in the street watching and waiting? Or are they only in his head? 

To me this has a Donnie Darko feel; you are never sure whether you are watching fantastic horror or the terrifying depths of schizophrenia. Superb, and highly recommended.

New Book for the Wish List

While I was checking Amazon this morning I saw Stephen Jones' latest Best New Horror (22) is all set to be released in October. It's a long wait, I know but like his previous collections and summaries of the year's horror they are a  goldmine of facts and fiction.

Here's Amazon's product description. How can you not put it on your own wish list? Who knows, one day you might be given a mention yourself...

The year’s best, and darkest, tales of terror, showcasing the most outstanding new short stories and novellas by both contemporary masters of the macabre and exciting newcomers. As ever, this acclaimed anthology also offers the most comprehensive annual overview of horror around the world in all its incarnations; a comprehensive necrology of famous names; and a list of indispensable contact addresses for the dedicated horror fan and writer alike. The Mammoth Book of Best New Horror remains the world’s leading annual anthology dedicated solely to presenting the best in contemporary horror fiction.

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The Hunger

Caught out by a rendition of Ravel's sinister and haunting Le Gibet this evening I was taken back to my favourite film of all time - 1983's The Hunger - starring Catherine Deneuve (the most beautiful woman in the world, i.m.h.o.) as Miriam the ancient, immortal (or not) Egyptienne who survives on blood and blood lust.

What could be better than Deneuve in dark glasses watching Bauhaus spasm in a NY club, David Bowie topless in a stable, Susan Sarandon and Deneuve in love's Sapphic embrace? All spun about by slash, blissful horror and more blood to the dangerous piano of Satie, Ravel, Bach and Schubert... and delicate rain.

Watch the trailer below (ignore the silly voiceover). The perfect modern gothic horror. And never a mention of the 'V' word. All I can say is... Sara? SARA?????????



And if you like this, take a look at the alternative trailer of Bauhaus singing Bela Lugosi's Dead on YouTube. Awesome.