The 1970s are considered by many to have been a golden age of Amrican film-making in general; but the were arguably also a golden age of American horror films, with many classics of the genre dating from this time. 'The American Nightmare' considers some of these movies in the engaging and thoughtful company of some of those who made them; and also of John Landis, who sadly gets most screen time although the enthusiasm he has for his own words is in inverse proportion to the interest of what he has to say. But I don't quite buy the argument presented that these movies amounted to social commentary: they can be quite scary, and they may borrow their imagery from Vietnam or the civil rights movement, but their fundamental silliness is completely ignored in this reverent discussion. Personally, I think most of the films considered here are good, after a fashion; but scarcely serious. So don't watch this film for the most profound of analysis. But if you want to learn why Tobe Hooper made 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' (and so on), it's unmissable viewing.
29 Reviews
Interesting contents, but mixed feelings - The American Nightmare - German DVD version
HStammermann13 July 2005
American horror movies of the 70s are well known for newly defining the genre and changing the borders of what was possible to show up to that point. Up to then there had been Hammer Productions with their usual suspects like Frankenstein, Dracula or there had been "gentleman" murderers like Dr. Phybes, who killed their victims out revenge, but still with a certain esprit of spirit. The "new" horror of the American movies was highly influenced by five movies the directors of which still have their say in today's horror industry: George Romero (Night of the Living Dead" 1968), Wes Craven (The Last House on the Left" 1972), Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" 1974), David Cronenberg (The Parasite Murders" 1975) as well as John Carpenter (Halloween" 1978). The documentation "The American Nightmare" now sets out to connect interviews of the film makers, film critics and academics with excerpts of contemporary as well as fictional movies. The core thesis now is that the young generation of the 60s and 70s had a feeling of fundamental uncertainty that was taken up by young film makers and transformed into angry visions full of nightmares - American nightmares. Against that foil we learn about the connections between the Civil Rights Movement and "Night of the Living Dead", we see Tom Savini talking about turning his experiences in Vietnam into his landmark splatter effects, David Cronenberg referring to the sexual liberation with "The Parasite Murders" or Wes Craven saying that on seeing Napalm attacks in Vietnam he learned that also Americans could commit atrocities. - The documentation allows some very interesting insights into the immediate historical context of American horror movies of the 60s and 70s. Especially in the middle of the documentation it might be challenging to ask oneself whether is is actually the fictional horror that horrifies us most.
Yet, the documentary also wants to be a creepy and entertaining movie itself. There is too much atmospheric gewgaw (Stockhausen's score, for example). Altogether you get too little concrete information about what you see. Whereas the film makers' commentaries are very interesting the critics are sometimes not convincing often digressing into their own individual movie watching nostalgia ("It was like - wow!"). Furthermore, the German DVD bonus materials mostly consist of text barely readable. So, all in all, highly interesting and enlightening, but I could have done with some more minutes of interviews and some more film clips.
interesting, funny, moving and intelligent
aptpupil7927 May 2004
i think this documentary may have been the inspiration for danny boyle to use godspeed you black emperor! in "28 days later..." godspeed are used fairly judiciously in this film and "sad mafioso" is used during the clips of "dawn of the dead" which is the heaviest influence on "28 days later..." all that aside...the documentary covers six major horror films (night of the living dead, last house on the left, dawn of the dead, shivers, halloween, and texas chainsaw massacre) of the 60s and 70s. more than just rehashing them or talking about their influence on the genre, the film talks to the filmmakers about their influences and spends a good deal of time examining the cultural climate in which these films took place. everything from the cold war to civil rights to the sexual revolution to vietnam to the gas crisis is discussed by the filmmakers as the climate that facilitated these films. unlike "visions of light" which gave a fairly clinical view of cinematography's art and history, American Nightmare demonstrates a certain intimacy and love of the subject. visions of light certainly had interviewees who showed an immense passion for the subject, but the film itself did not exude that same passion. part of the way american nightmare does this is through its soundtrack (epically scored by godspeed you black emperor! and Karlheinz Stockhausen) and its ambitious style of cutting in source material with voice-overs. it's a good film and, like stone reader or visions of light, does a really good job of getting the audience into the material. after watching this i wanted to break out all my horror films and watch them on end. it's able to do this because the film itself is passionate about the subject, the interviewees are passionate, and the information relayed to the viewer is interesting, funny, moving and intelligent. B+.
Superb documentary regarding the horror film industry.
MovieAddict20165 April 2004
Back before the dire imitators, genuinely superb horror films used to be made - horror films that represented the nation's feelings. One of the best examples is "Night of the Living Dead" and the Civil Rights movement metaphors.
Adam Simon's documentary is amazing in the fact that it manages to interview some of the greatest horror directors (George A. Romero, John Landis, Tom Savini, Wes Craven, David Cronenberg, et al) and examine what their films REALLY meant.
Admittedly I'm not a huge fan of the horror genre, but I love the horror masterpieces. This documentary covers every film I can imagine that represents greatness - it's definitely worth a look, especially if you're a fan of the films it encompasses (check out IMDb's references page for more info).
Adam Simon's documentary is amazing in the fact that it manages to interview some of the greatest horror directors (George A. Romero, John Landis, Tom Savini, Wes Craven, David Cronenberg, et al) and examine what their films REALLY meant.
Admittedly I'm not a huge fan of the horror genre, but I love the horror masterpieces. This documentary covers every film I can imagine that represents greatness - it's definitely worth a look, especially if you're a fan of the films it encompasses (check out IMDb's references page for more info).
A worthy dissection of a sometimes vilified genre.
Hey_Sweden15 July 2022
"The American Nightmare" is a reasonably interesting, non-fiction feature (done for IFC) by filmmaker Adam Simon ("Brain Dead", "Carnosaur"). It interviews some giants of the horror genre - George A. Romero, Wes Craven, Tobe Hooper, David Cronenberg, John Carpenter - in order to get insights into the creation of their landmark films, from "Night of the Living Dead" to "Halloween".
At its best, "The American Nightmare" is a solid presentation of the idea that horror films have always drawn from the darker aspects of real life society. Here, we see how events and figures such as the civil rights movement, Kent State, the Manson family, Watergate, and the Vietnam war informed the works of these filmmakers. Tom Savini is a case in point since he had actually served in the war as a combat photographer, although he was careful to maintain a sense of detachment; later he incorporated what he saw into his legendary makeup effects.
The directors interviewed here offer pertinent commentary on American life and scary things from their own childhoods. One thing that this viewer found rather amusing was how Cronenbergs' discussion on the potent sexual atmosphere of his early films was followed by a look at Carpenters' seminal slasher film "Halloween", which of course had a seemingly puritanical, "sex = death" approach. Others offering their thoughts are John Landis, and professors Carol J. Clover, Adam Lowenstein, and Tom Gunning.
As has been said, it's always more interesting when one hears / sees filmmakers discuss the ideas and themes in their movies, and the viewer is able to gain appreciation for what they achieved or at least attempted. That's one good reason to actually check out bonus features on DVDs and Blu-rays.
Simon includes many (graphic) clips from the films being discussed, and utilizes numerous news clips and photographs with which he juxtaposes them. Rather brief in length (running only 71 minutes), this could have easily gone on longer and been even more in depth, but "The American Nightmare" makes its points well. It ultimately punches across that truth that reel life horror can't really hold a candle to real life horror.
Seven out of 10.
At its best, "The American Nightmare" is a solid presentation of the idea that horror films have always drawn from the darker aspects of real life society. Here, we see how events and figures such as the civil rights movement, Kent State, the Manson family, Watergate, and the Vietnam war informed the works of these filmmakers. Tom Savini is a case in point since he had actually served in the war as a combat photographer, although he was careful to maintain a sense of detachment; later he incorporated what he saw into his legendary makeup effects.
The directors interviewed here offer pertinent commentary on American life and scary things from their own childhoods. One thing that this viewer found rather amusing was how Cronenbergs' discussion on the potent sexual atmosphere of his early films was followed by a look at Carpenters' seminal slasher film "Halloween", which of course had a seemingly puritanical, "sex = death" approach. Others offering their thoughts are John Landis, and professors Carol J. Clover, Adam Lowenstein, and Tom Gunning.
As has been said, it's always more interesting when one hears / sees filmmakers discuss the ideas and themes in their movies, and the viewer is able to gain appreciation for what they achieved or at least attempted. That's one good reason to actually check out bonus features on DVDs and Blu-rays.
Simon includes many (graphic) clips from the films being discussed, and utilizes numerous news clips and photographs with which he juxtaposes them. Rather brief in length (running only 71 minutes), this could have easily gone on longer and been even more in depth, but "The American Nightmare" makes its points well. It ultimately punches across that truth that reel life horror can't really hold a candle to real life horror.
Seven out of 10.
Call me the American nightmare/Call me the American dream/Call me your soul corrupted/Call me everything you need...
Anonymous_Maxine13 November 2004
You know, you really see movies differently when you hear the directors talking about what the movie meant to them or what they were trying to do with it. I really should watch more of those featurettes that come on the DVDs. I don't think I'll ever have the patience for audio commentaries, but the extra features on DVDs quite often have stuff like what you find in this outstanding documentary. Hearing the creators talk about their work really puts everything into a completely different perspective.
I was especially surprised to see how affected most of them were by the Vietnam war, like Tom Savini, who served in the war and now does horror movie makeup, witnessed horrible atrocities and awful, bloody deaths, and then went on to incorporate those things into his movies. Kind of morbid, really, to think that he was an American soldier who, by his own words, would see dead bodies and would just detach himself from the immediacy and finality of it, and instead think more about how he could recreate something like that in a movie. Until I saw this documentary, I never once considered the idea of trying to recreate war deaths, at least by a soldier who is standing right there.
Even directors who did not actually go to Vietnam were affected by the war, and it's amazing to see this powerful time in this country come across in what could easily be written off as just scary, gory horror movies. Good horror movies, but still nothing more than horror movies.
In some of the clips that were shown, such as scenes from one of Wes Craven's first films, The Last House on the Left, I was amazed at how intense the horror is. I've been watching a lot of horror movies lately, things like the Friday the 13th movies, Nightmare on Elm Streets, Halloween, Child's Play, Texas Chainsaw, etc, and have started to think that I had just outgrown that sick feeling of fear and almost nausea that I would get as a kid just from walking around in the horror section, like the real raw horror movies turned into campy gore-fests by the time I got to the age I am now, but man, I must be going to the wrong video stores.
There are some scenes shown in this movie that remind you what the real horror movies were like, back when they were meant to scare, not make tons of money. Back before the Japanese had to come in and show us how it's done, because we have obviously forgotten. Rob Zombie came out with House of 1000 Corpses last year, an underrated horror film that didn't set any box office records because it wasn't meant to. Like the directors in The American Nightmare, he is a lifelong horror fan and remembers what the real horror films were like. House of 1000 Corpses was his reminder to the world, now all these other directors are doing the same.
While I loved hearing the directors talk about their movies and I loved watching all of the clips from their films, all the while trying to compile a mental list of movies that I need to rent, I have to say that I found the legitimacy of these horror films in the context of the society in which they were created to be the most interesting part. You don't really think about horror movies having too much social value or meaning, but these movies, as they say, are clearly a product of their environment.
I found myself wondering at many points if we are going to see a new breed of horror directors eventually come home from Iraq
I was especially surprised to see how affected most of them were by the Vietnam war, like Tom Savini, who served in the war and now does horror movie makeup, witnessed horrible atrocities and awful, bloody deaths, and then went on to incorporate those things into his movies. Kind of morbid, really, to think that he was an American soldier who, by his own words, would see dead bodies and would just detach himself from the immediacy and finality of it, and instead think more about how he could recreate something like that in a movie. Until I saw this documentary, I never once considered the idea of trying to recreate war deaths, at least by a soldier who is standing right there.
Even directors who did not actually go to Vietnam were affected by the war, and it's amazing to see this powerful time in this country come across in what could easily be written off as just scary, gory horror movies. Good horror movies, but still nothing more than horror movies.
In some of the clips that were shown, such as scenes from one of Wes Craven's first films, The Last House on the Left, I was amazed at how intense the horror is. I've been watching a lot of horror movies lately, things like the Friday the 13th movies, Nightmare on Elm Streets, Halloween, Child's Play, Texas Chainsaw, etc, and have started to think that I had just outgrown that sick feeling of fear and almost nausea that I would get as a kid just from walking around in the horror section, like the real raw horror movies turned into campy gore-fests by the time I got to the age I am now, but man, I must be going to the wrong video stores.
There are some scenes shown in this movie that remind you what the real horror movies were like, back when they were meant to scare, not make tons of money. Back before the Japanese had to come in and show us how it's done, because we have obviously forgotten. Rob Zombie came out with House of 1000 Corpses last year, an underrated horror film that didn't set any box office records because it wasn't meant to. Like the directors in The American Nightmare, he is a lifelong horror fan and remembers what the real horror films were like. House of 1000 Corpses was his reminder to the world, now all these other directors are doing the same.
While I loved hearing the directors talk about their movies and I loved watching all of the clips from their films, all the while trying to compile a mental list of movies that I need to rent, I have to say that I found the legitimacy of these horror films in the context of the society in which they were created to be the most interesting part. You don't really think about horror movies having too much social value or meaning, but these movies, as they say, are clearly a product of their environment.
I found myself wondering at many points if we are going to see a new breed of horror directors eventually come home from Iraq
Worth Watching If You're a Horror Fan
bean-d11 May 2010
This is a good documentary but not great. I wish the film had been organized according to chronological order, discussing the relationship between the history of the 1960s and '70s and numerous horror films. What we get,unfortunately, is a discussion with a few directors and a few select horror films ("Night of the Living Dead," "Shivers," "Last House on the Left," "Dawn of the Dead," "Halloween"). Those horror films are related to the decades in question, but I never felt as if we went beyond a surface exploration. I will admit, however, that I have read numerous books on horror film, so most 90-minute docs aren't going to be able to encapsulate my breadth of knowledge. However, if you're a horror fan, you'll probably enjoy this.
THE best documentary on horror films...EVER!
tripperM23 October 2000
if your a horror fan (especially on in your mid to late 30s)and you wonder why... here's the answer.
as i sat here watching american nightmare, i nodded and nodded as i remembered my childhood and the constant nightmares and fear of the end of the world, death, and the catholic theories of a fire and brimstone afterlife. the constant threat of atomic wars, hidden under our schoolchairs as we had air-raid drills. even when it was vacation time at school, the automatic drills echoed in the background once a month. i lived within walking distance and would often go to the schoolyard during vacation times to play there with others.
the most frightening sound in the world is not the screams of michael myers' victims or the ripping of zombie flesh, but the eerie sound of an air-raid sirien going off in a virtualy empty playground mixed with the squeak of swings, the wind, and the "ting" of the empty flag pole.....
as i sat here watching american nightmare, i nodded and nodded as i remembered my childhood and the constant nightmares and fear of the end of the world, death, and the catholic theories of a fire and brimstone afterlife. the constant threat of atomic wars, hidden under our schoolchairs as we had air-raid drills. even when it was vacation time at school, the automatic drills echoed in the background once a month. i lived within walking distance and would often go to the schoolyard during vacation times to play there with others.
the most frightening sound in the world is not the screams of michael myers' victims or the ripping of zombie flesh, but the eerie sound of an air-raid sirien going off in a virtualy empty playground mixed with the squeak of swings, the wind, and the "ting" of the empty flag pole.....
A good documentary, putting American horror films into context
gray410 April 2004
A very interesting documentary on the US horror films of the '60s and '70s. The mixture of interviews with some directors (Carpenter, Tobe Hooper, Wes Craven, George Romero etc), film clips and social commentary works well. Films are shown as reflections of the society in which they were made - not an earth-shaking revelation, but the witty commentaries, particularly by Carol Clover and John Landis, bring home the changes in style and taste through the two decades.
Inevitably the perspective is partial, restricted to US films (and Cronenberg's 'Shivers')and to selected film-makers. But it is a very entertaining documentary - and you can apply its messages to the obsessions influencing the European horror film-makers of the same period.
Inevitably the perspective is partial, restricted to US films (and Cronenberg's 'Shivers')and to selected film-makers. But it is a very entertaining documentary - and you can apply its messages to the obsessions influencing the European horror film-makers of the same period.
The Best Horror Documentary I Have Yet Seen
Gafke30 April 2004
This is a serious look at some of the most groundbreaking and innovative horror films ever made. It is also incredibly graphic, disturbing and somewhat bleak and depressing, so consider yourselves warned. No hardcore fan of horror will want to miss this, but people with weak stomachs may not be able to take it.
There are long and satisfyingly gruesome clips from Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Night of the Living Dead & Dawn of the Dead, Last House on the Left, Shivers and many others, each accompanied by a look at what was happening in the world at the time they were made, and the bizarre ways in which art imitates life and vice versa. Gore Make-up Master Tom Savini has some amazing stories to tell about his time in Vietnam and how the atrocities he viewed through a camera later inspired his craft. There are also some wickedly clever moments here, as film footage of crazed shoppers are intercut with scenes from the zombie feeding frenzy in Dawn of the Dead. Nausea inducing moments include the rape and sadistic torture scenes from Last House on the Left, and an unflinching look at such real life horrors as Vietnam, the rioting following the King assassination, the Kent State Massacre and the Kennedy Assassination.
The directors interviewed (Romero, Cronenberg, Carpenter, Hooper, Craven, etc) have some great stories to tell about their famous (and infamous) films, not only about how they were made, but also why, how they continue to inspire the current genre, what kind of an effect they had upon being released and how they reflect the times in which they were made.
This is a totally engrossing documentary from start to finish that was sometimes hard to watch but which also seemed much too short. I didn't want it to end! VERY well done and highly recommended for hardcore fans.
There are long and satisfyingly gruesome clips from Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Night of the Living Dead & Dawn of the Dead, Last House on the Left, Shivers and many others, each accompanied by a look at what was happening in the world at the time they were made, and the bizarre ways in which art imitates life and vice versa. Gore Make-up Master Tom Savini has some amazing stories to tell about his time in Vietnam and how the atrocities he viewed through a camera later inspired his craft. There are also some wickedly clever moments here, as film footage of crazed shoppers are intercut with scenes from the zombie feeding frenzy in Dawn of the Dead. Nausea inducing moments include the rape and sadistic torture scenes from Last House on the Left, and an unflinching look at such real life horrors as Vietnam, the rioting following the King assassination, the Kent State Massacre and the Kennedy Assassination.
The directors interviewed (Romero, Cronenberg, Carpenter, Hooper, Craven, etc) have some great stories to tell about their famous (and infamous) films, not only about how they were made, but also why, how they continue to inspire the current genre, what kind of an effect they had upon being released and how they reflect the times in which they were made.
This is a totally engrossing documentary from start to finish that was sometimes hard to watch but which also seemed much too short. I didn't want it to end! VERY well done and highly recommended for hardcore fans.
Truly outstanding documentary about the golden age of horror
pizowell13 February 2006
This documentary is an absolute treasure for any true horror film buff. Containing insightful interviews from film philosophers and sociologists analyzing films and the circumstances and reflections of the times in which they were made along with detailed and compelling interviews with such pioneering genre filmmakers as Tobe Hooper, Wes Craven, David Cronenberg, George A. Romero, John Carpenter and others. The interview with Tom Savini in which he recalls gruesome instances from his tour in Vietnam is riveting, adding to the overall bleakness of the piece. Fascinating, thoughtful, chilling and ultimately unforgettable. I applaud director Adam Simon for assembling the components to pull off this highly analytical serenade to the most profound and influential horror films and filmmakers and his ability to do so with integrity and intelligence and an obvious love for the genre. Extra kudos for the Godspeed You Black Emperor soundtrack. Brilliant.
"Everyone's going to die... so we are the living dead." Dull documentary.
poolandrews1 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
The American Nightmare is a 70 odd minute documentary that makes the comparison between a few classic horror films & the social & political struggles America has gone through over the past few decades. Written & directed by Adam Simon (who has directed a couple of horror films himself Brain Dead (1990) & Carnosaur (1993)) it was funded by the Independent Film Channel & I really didn't find much in The American Nightmare to enjoy, for a start the earliest film it discusses in any detail is Night of the Living Dead (1968) & the latest are Halloween (1978) & Dawn of the Dead (1978). That covers precisely 10 years, well I'm not being funny but the horror film has been a popular mainstay of the film going public since cinema began right up to the present day. A couple of early classics are mentioned but in little detail & are quickly forgotten about & absolutely nothing from the 80's, 90's or 00's are mentioned at all. The American Nightmare is also very limited in the fact that it only refers to six films, Night of the Living Dead, The Last House on the Left (1972), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), Shivers (1975), Halloween & Dawn of the Dead. It seems to me that the film selection depended upon who they could convince to appear on camera. This is one of those documentary's that feature loads of college professor type people who seem able to read so much into a film it's untrue. Sure a film like Night of the Living Dead was made to change the entire lives of everyone who saw it & possibly change the course of the entire world as we know it, but on the other hand maybe it was made as a cheap horror film to make money. You decide... Am I the only one who thinks David Cronenberg (who, by the way, is Canadian not American so what's he doing in this?) is far too intellectual for his own good? Talk about boring! It's not without it's good moments & has lots of clips from the films mentioned but I didn't like it's approach & this whole 'I made such & such a film to rebel against the system & make a political statement' just doesn't wash with me, they were made to make money whatever anyone says...
How it all started...
QKnown8 November 2000
Finally, fans get to see the blueprint of how/why the classic horror films of the late '60s and early '70s revolutionized cinema. All thanks to America's turbulent times.
Since so much went down during this era, (The End of the Cold War,Civil Rights Movements,Kent State,Manson,Vietnam,political assassinations,Watergate,etc) It just seemed apparent to young filmmakers that "the world is gonna end, Let's just make this movie and go out with a bang"- type of mentality. As we would later know, It would all pay off, spawning a new type of horror film for a new generation.
Here in this documentary, you can learn the inspirations for:
Tom Savini's realistic make-up discoveries,Tobe Hooper's "boogeyman" thoughts for TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, David Cronenberg for using sex as a life-threatening weapon, and why Wes Craven's LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT has a scene that looks similar to a disturbing sight involving a Saigon police chief and a Viet Cong suspect.
THE AMERICAN NIGHTMARE is not just recommended to fans of the genre. But to those who wonder where it all came from.
Since so much went down during this era, (The End of the Cold War,Civil Rights Movements,Kent State,Manson,Vietnam,political assassinations,Watergate,etc) It just seemed apparent to young filmmakers that "the world is gonna end, Let's just make this movie and go out with a bang"- type of mentality. As we would later know, It would all pay off, spawning a new type of horror film for a new generation.
Here in this documentary, you can learn the inspirations for:
Tom Savini's realistic make-up discoveries,Tobe Hooper's "boogeyman" thoughts for TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, David Cronenberg for using sex as a life-threatening weapon, and why Wes Craven's LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT has a scene that looks similar to a disturbing sight involving a Saigon police chief and a Viet Cong suspect.
THE AMERICAN NIGHTMARE is not just recommended to fans of the genre. But to those who wonder where it all came from.
Documentary as an art form
lar-58 July 2002
As my summary states, this great piece highlights the documentary as an art form and not a clip show, or 'greatest-hits' package. The filmmaker takes his primary thesis - North American horror films of the 60's and 70's and how they relate to the events of the time, and builds it beautifully. Using exclusive interviews, great film clips, and wonderful behind-the-scenes photos, the filmmaker paints a stunning, and slightly disturbing, picture. I've seen, heard, and read many things about the featured filmmakers before, but this documentary managed to mine fresh and very interesting anecdotes and insight. My one complaint echoes that of another reviewer in wishing that this was longer. My one hope is that someone makes this available to home video so I can see it again and share it with others.
Brilliant Documentary
Blastocystosis27 March 2004
I caught this on IFC and it's one of the best documentaries I've ever seen. This is not only for the huge horror fan, but it's also for fans of movies period. American Nightmare goes deep and discovers what helped these classic directors create their films. Interviews with legends like George Romero, Tom Savini, David Cronenberg, Wes Craven, Tobe Hooper,and John Carpenter. Some really interesting facts are mentioned, like Hooper's idea for Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Savini's Vietnam days, etc. The overall theme of the documentary is how the horrors of real life effected the directors. Things like the Vietnam war, Kennedy's assassination, the Cold War were all things that helped inspire some of the greatest films in cinematic history.
Another great thing about this documentary is it takes you back to a time of when people knew how to make horror movies. I am only 18 (as of this review, 2004) and was not around during these eras. It's really nice to see what it was like back then.
I would recommend this for anyone who is a movie fan. I'd especially recommend this to kids who flock to see the latest butchered remake of classics or CGI-running-zombie-crapfests that come out these days.
10/10
Another great thing about this documentary is it takes you back to a time of when people knew how to make horror movies. I am only 18 (as of this review, 2004) and was not around during these eras. It's really nice to see what it was like back then.
I would recommend this for anyone who is a movie fan. I'd especially recommend this to kids who flock to see the latest butchered remake of classics or CGI-running-zombie-crapfests that come out these days.
10/10
Only one thing
stemage1 November 2001
I loved the documentary. It was wonderful! Everything said here in the comments is true as well, but they just needed to go into more movies. They used Shiver more than I thought they should have. They could have moved a little further into how the genre eventually became franchised with sequels and glorification as the freddy series for example. The pace was very slow which added a nice effect to the documentary, but it could have been sped up a little to account for more movies, that's all. They only did one for each director interviewed. There's more to the entire genre than those 5 or 6 movies. Try and catch it! Great documentary! 9 of 10
A must see for genre fans
rivertam2614 April 2020
This is definitely one of the best horror documentaries I've seen. Not only does it go into horror films but also what inspired them and how they were a reflection of the time they were released. At times it can be disturbing but its always intriguing. From Tom Savini discussing his personal experiences in Vietnam to an exploration of the slasher and so much more. The film is a must see for genre fans.
4.5/5
4.5/5
A Nightmare on America's Streets
thesar-224 January 2009
It's probably okay, it is my error for expecting a different type of documentary on horror films in 'The American Nightmare.' Yes, I was expecting and hoping to see 'Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film' (which was a great documentary, by the way, with more than dozens of clips and interesting background info,) but instead got a history lesson on America's trouble times and the horror genre. Yes, we get a few horror clips, but only from probably five movies, and two of which were in the same series 'Night of the Living Dead' and its sequel 'Dawn of the Dead.' This 'Nightmare' doc was specifically made to show the parallels with the real world and horror cinema (not sure why either Wes Craven's other hugely under budget 'The Hills Have Eyes' and 'Godzilla' were excluded, but whatever) so they really should've have wasted time on both 'Dead' one and two. They should've just included #2 and brought in another movie such as the dozens of eco-friendly/horror films made since the 1970s (heck, even 'The Stuff' had some kind of message and mirrored the times.) Glad it was only 73 minutes, and it was mildly informative (I did somewhat enjoy hearing how the film creators came up with ideas,) but, still, hardly recommended. There are dozens of more horror film documentaries to check out. Start with 'Going to Pieces' for die-hard horror fans.
Fascinating documentary
preppy-330 September 2002
Tom Savini, John Landis, George Romero, John Carpenter, Wes Craven. Tobe Hooper and David Cronenberg talk about their horror films (and others) and explain what they mean and where their ideas came from. Film shows how the times they grew up in (lates 60s, early 70s) influenced them greatly. The film includes very graphic images from the Vietnam war, Kent State, race riots, assassinations--you can see why these filmmakers make such gory, violent films! As a horror fan, I loved this documentary. It also gave me some insight into two horror films I hate-- "Last House on the Left" and "Texas Chainsaw Massacre". I still despise them but I understand where the films came from. A rare chance to see all these directors talking about the films. A must-see for anyone interested in movies.
Most insightful horror documentary I've seen so far, but way too short
Superunknovvn3 September 2007
At last there's a documentary that goes to the core of horror movies and analyzes them properly. Unlike "Stephen King's World Of Horror" or "Going To Pieces" where we would just hear certain people commenting on infamous scenes, saying how much the movie "rocked", "The American Nightmare" takes a closer look at the origin of some of America's most legendary horror movies.
Unfortunately, the inaccurate title might lead you to believe that this documentary actually tries to give you an overview of all the important American horror movies, which is not the case. Instead six different movies that where released between 1968 and 1978 have been picked (namely "Night Of The Living Dead", "The Last House On The Left", "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre", "Dawn Of The Dead", "Shivers" and "Halloween") and commented on. George A. Romero, Wes Craven, Tobe Hooper, David Cronenberg, John Carpenter, Tom Savini and some bystanders (John Landis as well as various university professors) get to analyze the social movements that influenced those movies. It's a pretty interesting viewing, but at the same time it's frustrating that only so few movies are dealt with. Where is "The Shining"? What about "The Exorcist"? I know these movies appear in every other horror documentary anyway, but I feel like the makers of this one might actually have had something new and informative to say about those films.
Before watching one has to be aware of the fact that "The American Nightmare" is not so much a documentary about movie making itself, but about the connection between social circumstances and the movies. You won't hear anything about box office results or merchandise in this film, but you'll get some explanations of why certain things were put on celluloid and what they really mean beyond the obvious. Some theories seem a little far fetched, others aren't too mind-blowing or new, but all in all this documentary is the most insightful I've seen on the subject so far.
Now, to correct that little flaw, which is the movie's very limited running time (only 70 minutes), bring on a sequel, which includes "A Nightmare On Elm Street" and all the other great American horror movies that have seemingly been forgotten this time around.
Unfortunately, the inaccurate title might lead you to believe that this documentary actually tries to give you an overview of all the important American horror movies, which is not the case. Instead six different movies that where released between 1968 and 1978 have been picked (namely "Night Of The Living Dead", "The Last House On The Left", "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre", "Dawn Of The Dead", "Shivers" and "Halloween") and commented on. George A. Romero, Wes Craven, Tobe Hooper, David Cronenberg, John Carpenter, Tom Savini and some bystanders (John Landis as well as various university professors) get to analyze the social movements that influenced those movies. It's a pretty interesting viewing, but at the same time it's frustrating that only so few movies are dealt with. Where is "The Shining"? What about "The Exorcist"? I know these movies appear in every other horror documentary anyway, but I feel like the makers of this one might actually have had something new and informative to say about those films.
Before watching one has to be aware of the fact that "The American Nightmare" is not so much a documentary about movie making itself, but about the connection between social circumstances and the movies. You won't hear anything about box office results or merchandise in this film, but you'll get some explanations of why certain things were put on celluloid and what they really mean beyond the obvious. Some theories seem a little far fetched, others aren't too mind-blowing or new, but all in all this documentary is the most insightful I've seen on the subject so far.
Now, to correct that little flaw, which is the movie's very limited running time (only 70 minutes), bring on a sequel, which includes "A Nightmare On Elm Street" and all the other great American horror movies that have seemingly been forgotten this time around.
The American Nightmare
Scarecrow-885 September 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Interesting documentary on horror filmmakers of the late 60s/early 70s, focuses on important films of the genre that commented on the times they were made. Night of the Living Dead and how it correlated with the Civil Rights movement. Last House on the Left and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre were made as the horrors of Vietnam continued to expose how evil ran rampant in the jungles of another country and that American soldiers were just as complicit to a lot of what happened there. Shivers commented on the ongoing changes in sexuality. Halloween on how we seem to want to be scared and enjoy a ride while in the theatre. The jolt that comes from danger lurking. Directors Tobe Hooper, David Cronenberg, Wes Craven, John Landis, George Romero, and makeup artist Tom Savini (who lends a chilling recollection on Vietnam and how this experience shaped him as an artist; his photographic work and how it separated him from the horrors in front of him are quite haunting), along with professors who comment on the chosen horror films for the documentary, lend a voice to where the horrors on screen from their work came from. There is an honesty that is appreciated, and you can see the contemplative, cerebral, and introspective reasoning behind the films they created for the viewing public.
I think the direction can be heavy-handed at times, with how it extrapolates the horrors of real life being so intertwined with the horror films in the documentary. I think the dialogue of how the professors saw the horror films through their own intellectual and emotional lens is quite compelling. It is nicely intermingled with the thoughts and comments of the directors. You get some amusing anecdotes from Landis who is his usually energetic/enthusiastic self, more of a vocal component in regards to how the films of Romero, Hooper, and Craven effected him. Hooper speaks on what inspired the various aspects of his film, like how his relatives used to tell him about Gein when he was a kid, seemingly to freak him out. His inspiration behind the film in regards to being in the hardware store. And his disregard for family gatherings. Carpenter apologizes for the notion that his film was anti-sex; his comment on his generation being sell-outs is an example of how the sentiment is from many who would agree with him. It is all about the Benjamins. Romero's films get serious props from the documentary and the professors who are involved. The themes behind both Night and Dawn are discussed in length and depth. The use of Vietnam and how America was going to hell (Kent State, in particular, is also mentioned) is one of the more highly scathing points made in the documentary. While there's this sombre tone applied with the use of how the 50s atomic bombs scare, the sexual revolution, Vietnam, and the possibility of the apocalypse, Landis at least brings some humor that is much needed due to the approach. The music score is quite aimed to provoke an emotional response to the history for which these films covered fell within. Mostly, I think The American Nightmare is worthy of any horror fan's time. Wes Craven talking about the darkness behind the American dream's dissolve (the ideal from the 50s), Cronenberg getting quite analytical and philosophical in regards to the body and physical agony and the rewards of sexual freedom that can also come out of that. Romero describing us as the living dead and the disco era right after the horrors that were occurring when Night was made before he unleashed Dawn on us. But I think Savini's Vietnam stories and getting to see a small glimpse in his workshop (the cool sculpture of Lugosi's Dracula, Karloff's Frankenstein Monster, and Chaney's Phantom can be seen) are my favorite parts. Metaphor of what you see in the films compared to what was happening in reality could be the most hammering pointed aspect of the director's approach to the documentary.
I think the direction can be heavy-handed at times, with how it extrapolates the horrors of real life being so intertwined with the horror films in the documentary. I think the dialogue of how the professors saw the horror films through their own intellectual and emotional lens is quite compelling. It is nicely intermingled with the thoughts and comments of the directors. You get some amusing anecdotes from Landis who is his usually energetic/enthusiastic self, more of a vocal component in regards to how the films of Romero, Hooper, and Craven effected him. Hooper speaks on what inspired the various aspects of his film, like how his relatives used to tell him about Gein when he was a kid, seemingly to freak him out. His inspiration behind the film in regards to being in the hardware store. And his disregard for family gatherings. Carpenter apologizes for the notion that his film was anti-sex; his comment on his generation being sell-outs is an example of how the sentiment is from many who would agree with him. It is all about the Benjamins. Romero's films get serious props from the documentary and the professors who are involved. The themes behind both Night and Dawn are discussed in length and depth. The use of Vietnam and how America was going to hell (Kent State, in particular, is also mentioned) is one of the more highly scathing points made in the documentary. While there's this sombre tone applied with the use of how the 50s atomic bombs scare, the sexual revolution, Vietnam, and the possibility of the apocalypse, Landis at least brings some humor that is much needed due to the approach. The music score is quite aimed to provoke an emotional response to the history for which these films covered fell within. Mostly, I think The American Nightmare is worthy of any horror fan's time. Wes Craven talking about the darkness behind the American dream's dissolve (the ideal from the 50s), Cronenberg getting quite analytical and philosophical in regards to the body and physical agony and the rewards of sexual freedom that can also come out of that. Romero describing us as the living dead and the disco era right after the horrors that were occurring when Night was made before he unleashed Dawn on us. But I think Savini's Vietnam stories and getting to see a small glimpse in his workshop (the cool sculpture of Lugosi's Dracula, Karloff's Frankenstein Monster, and Chaney's Phantom can be seen) are my favorite parts. Metaphor of what you see in the films compared to what was happening in reality could be the most hammering pointed aspect of the director's approach to the documentary.
Intriguing
Samiam311 May 2009
Despite its grizzy and disturbing subject matter, The American Nightmare manages to be an intriguing small scale documentary that may be of interest to movie goers
The American Nightmare examines a collection of horror flicks of the 60's and 70's and some of the ways in which they reflect the American culture at the time, It features a handful of the great horror directors including, Craven, Romero, Carpenter and Cronenberg (who is the smartest in the movie), as well as the opinions of several other filmmakers and college professors. Like all documentaries, this one has a bias. I feel that it over praises these horror flicks, and the explanation it gives for their brilliance is only partially true. Horror films may reflect society, but they do it in a very misanthropic way.
I would say that this is Adam Simon's smartest film (not just because it is a documentary). Simon makes geeky cult films like 'Brain Dead' and 'Carnosaur' both of which are even more off-putting than this film. The way in which he structures American Nightmare to look abstract and jumbled might be distracting, but there is a scene of creativity to it. In fact, I would say that the movie is more creative than it is educational, nevertheless there are some things that can be learned from this strange documentary, but you have to approach it with an open mind.
The American Nightmare examines a collection of horror flicks of the 60's and 70's and some of the ways in which they reflect the American culture at the time, It features a handful of the great horror directors including, Craven, Romero, Carpenter and Cronenberg (who is the smartest in the movie), as well as the opinions of several other filmmakers and college professors. Like all documentaries, this one has a bias. I feel that it over praises these horror flicks, and the explanation it gives for their brilliance is only partially true. Horror films may reflect society, but they do it in a very misanthropic way.
I would say that this is Adam Simon's smartest film (not just because it is a documentary). Simon makes geeky cult films like 'Brain Dead' and 'Carnosaur' both of which are even more off-putting than this film. The way in which he structures American Nightmare to look abstract and jumbled might be distracting, but there is a scene of creativity to it. In fact, I would say that the movie is more creative than it is educational, nevertheless there are some things that can be learned from this strange documentary, but you have to approach it with an open mind.
Interesting documentary...and not exclusively for horror fans!
Coventry14 January 2004
The American Nightmare is a very interesting ( and even educational ) documentary that explains us a bit more the more "politically incorrect" milestones in horror such as Last House on the Left, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Night of the Living Dead. For those who already worship these movies, the documentary is a nice way to discover a large amount of trivia elements and the sequences shown are terrific eye-candy. But...to those who always considered these movies to be perverted and unethical, this documentary is a real eye-opener! Adam Simon lets the masters of American horror explain themselves about their motivations and inspiration to shoot these movies. And so we learn that these motion pictures often are a direct consequence of real-life horror and social trauma's. For example, we see George A. Romero explain what influence the assassination Martin Luther King had on his movie, how it was the Vietnam war that influenced Tom Savini to scare people with his photography and how the violent student riots shocked Wes Craven. A real pleasure to observe is also Tobe Hooper explaining how the complete script of Texas Chainsaw Massacre developed in his mind. The American Nightmare is a mixture of some of the best footage, interviews with legendary directors and an overload of psychological explanations by University professors. Some points of view of these profs are rather interesting, but most theories they're trying to sell are just way over the top and far-fetched. The directors all are cooler than cool when they get interviewed. Especially George Romero makes a big impression and John Landis is fun to watch, since he's so enthusiastic about what he does and worships.
Surely recommended to everyone who's interested about the origin of groundbreaking horror and milestones. The American Nightmare can for example be found on the double-disc special edition DVD of The Hills Have Eyes.
Surely recommended to everyone who's interested about the origin of groundbreaking horror and milestones. The American Nightmare can for example be found on the double-disc special edition DVD of The Hills Have Eyes.
Brilliant overview of the birth of Modern Horror
mkeyes9912 May 2004
This film is amazing in that it manages to feature interview with literally everybody of any importance in the genre of Modern Horror. Adam Simon has put together something very special for fans of the genre. The film traces the origins of Modern Horror through its early classics, featuring films such as Last House On The Left, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Night Of The Living Dead and Dawn Of The Dead and through interviews with all the key players and then some. I tend to find that documentary films, while interesting, often fail to be really gripping, thought provoking and at the same time entertaining. This film manages all three. Thoroughly recommended for fans of the genre and also for anyone with a passing interest in horror. And for those of you that bash films such as Last House On The Left for being too extreme, watch this documentary, it might just change your mind.
Don't let the eggheads fool you
Bill35725 March 2009
This movie is a load! A bunch of self important directors finally get some recognition by the art house crowd and try to convince you that their films were about more than the pandering and profiteering they really are.
Not that I'm against pandering and profiteering. They're what used to make horror movies great.
I groaned as I was forced to listen to speaker after speaker rave about political subtexts and rolled my eyes at the shameless horror directors egging them on.
I remember one interviewee that stated something to the effect of, "How can you watch Last House on the Left and not think of Kent State?".
I don't know dude, maybe it was because I paid attention to the movie instead of thinking about freaking Kent State! The flick I saw was about perverts raping and killing teenage girls in the woods.
Another nugget of insightfulness comes from the alleged Vic Morrow killer, John Landis, who talks condescendingly about the "guys from the NRA", who came to hunt zombies in Night of the Living Dead and equating them with the KKK and the civil rights era.
Well guess what Johnny babe? That's what a posse looks like. The guys from the ACLU just got ate! They can't make it!
Not that I'm against pandering and profiteering. They're what used to make horror movies great.
I groaned as I was forced to listen to speaker after speaker rave about political subtexts and rolled my eyes at the shameless horror directors egging them on.
I remember one interviewee that stated something to the effect of, "How can you watch Last House on the Left and not think of Kent State?".
I don't know dude, maybe it was because I paid attention to the movie instead of thinking about freaking Kent State! The flick I saw was about perverts raping and killing teenage girls in the woods.
Another nugget of insightfulness comes from the alleged Vic Morrow killer, John Landis, who talks condescendingly about the "guys from the NRA", who came to hunt zombies in Night of the Living Dead and equating them with the KKK and the civil rights era.
Well guess what Johnny babe? That's what a posse looks like. The guys from the ACLU just got ate! They can't make it!
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
