Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really into it, September 15, 2004
The best way to describe this book is reverent. This is a seriously in depth look at Wes Craven's demented debut, Last House on the Left.
Szulkin has done a ton of research. There are countless references in here to obscure genre work, foreign films, etc, etc. Plenty of pictures, too, big, bright and shiny pictures of various artwork from the film and its unofficial 'sequels', grisly scenes, and more. Whatever you think of the film, this is an impressive book.
Last House on the Left is definitely demented, but looking at the current state of the horror genre, it holds up pretty well. The raw, grainy quality and the depiction of the kind of sick, stark horror you read about in the papers--this is definitely not a movie that glorifies crime and murder as other slick, entertaining films do. Craven would do similar things later in the decade with The Hills Have Eyes, another ultra low-budget but creepy study of an American family.
Video nasty buffs and horror fans will highly appreciate such a respectful book about an oft-disrespected and reviled film. I mean, this is the second, revised edition(!) That is dedication, folks.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
'Last House' a great synopsis of the cult classic, March 16, 1998
I'm 30 years old and always wanted to see "Last House" at the drive-in where it always played, and at the midnight showings, just to see what everyone was talking about. By the time I could see it by myself, all this stopped w/video! You can imagine my delight in having all the hype recaptured in this book! Well written, with plenty of behind-the-scenes info, and an update with the actors/actresses in the movie. I felt like I was back in time! If you've wanted to know what everyone's been talking about, and how the "House" set the standard for terror (which it did, when you compare the slasher movies to it), get this book. It's well worth the price!
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very informative,entertaining. Exceedingly well researched., January 1, 1998
By A Customer
If you ever wanted to find out the REAL deal behind making a low budget horror movie this is the book for you! Yes the "making of" is there but what was truly delightful was the frank discussions about ad campaigns, how the director and producer had no idea what they were doing, reaction of viewers, the actors and actresses. Also covered are the host of "rip offs" which followed: Don't Look..., Last House on..., ad nauseum. There is so much information in this volume that it is hard to fully describe. Very well written with tight editing. Hundreds of visuals, many were supplied by director Wes Craven from his personal collection. Immensely entertaining and difficult to put down.
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