Sandman

This pseudo-doc had me so confused that I needed help from Wikipedia to sort it out and I'm still not sure what parts of this are real.

I really enjoyed Carol Clover's update of the "final girl" theory and other horror tropes.

But (I think) the movie is really about underground horror. Independent films that feature torture, rape, mutilation, and murder without any pretense of storytelling. The people who make and act in these things were curiously engaging, much like the people in the porn industry.

These films are sold directly to people with very specific tastes. Some are actually made to order.

I didn't know this existed and I don't want to go there.

This all made me realize that my enthusiasm for slashers and zombies is about as edgy and rebellious as looking at internet pictures of cute baby animals.

Yes, it is a mess. More like "Dark Shadows" than a 21st century horror story. But it has energy and daring, and real emotion among the baroque plot. Helplessly in love with this stupid show.

FEWDIO

I am now hooked on these short horror videos. In less than 3 minutes they have plot, scares, and style. All the horror of the average movie compressed into minutes - very intense.

10 best low budget horror movies

http://www.salon.com/entertainment/movies/2011/08/05/friday_night_seitz_horror_movies

Salon.con has some of the best writing on the horror genre. This is a fine top ten list and of course I know all of them well. I even agree with the ranking - almost. I would put "Carnival of Souls" first instead of second. And I would move "Eraserhead" from first to eighth. Still, a very fine list. The lowest budget, most innovative films are Outsider Art.

new favorite book - Jason Zinoman "Shocked Value"

He also wrote a great series for Slate last week on "How to fix horror". Now I had not noticed horror was broken, but I love his new rules.

1. stop trying to be so respectable

2. kill the backstory

3. embrace the remake

4. gore is good

Dear old horror hosts

This tribute, free on YouTube, is a little too long and reverent for my tastes. Still, it brings back some of my happiest television experiences ever.

Some of the hosts were very touching as they talked about how their framing stories and interruptions made it possible for children to watch horror without being overwhelmed or terrified.