Umm, most commentators I've seen for The Birds agree there's some kind of sexual repression/displacement going on, but I understand what you mean. Some personal favorites of mine (not counting the luscious corn syrup bloodbaths of Tim Burton, Dario Argento, and George A. Romero) are:the_wolfs_howl (post: 1401562) wrote:For those who are much more well-versed in horror movies than I am, I have a request. What are some good movies that focus on a slow buildup of dread, using things other than bloody monsters jumping out at you to convey the terror, like distant sounds or slight movements at the edge of the screen? Basically, movies in the vein of Signs or The Birds or something like that? (And preferably with as little gore and sexual material as possible.)
Nosferatu the Vampyre directed by Werner Herzog.
Let the Right One In directed by Tomas Alfredson.
The Ring directed by Gore Verbinski.
The Abominable Dr. Phibes directed by Robert Feust.
May directed by Lucky McKee.
Trick 'r Treat directed by Michael Dougherty.
Ginger Snaps directed by John Fawcett.
Of this whole list, Ginger Snaps comes closest to violating the constraints here imposed, but the horror actually develops out of relationships, and it is a very important film, not least in relation to earlier horror texts. What each of these films have in common are certain links to old-school horror (apr. 1920-1967), especially in regard to the pathos of the monster as a tragic hero. The type of horror you mention is the favored approach of this older period, and a good look through the Universal Monsters collections, films produced by Val Lewton, and things like the 50 Horror Movie pack you'll find sometimes will give you plenty to work with.
)
Guess I'll have plenty to watch on Halloween this year...or for the next ten years.... XD
