American Nightmare (dir. Adam Simon)

With the remake of The Hills Have Eyes (1977) in theaters now, the recent revisiting of Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1978), and the upcoming 3D remake of Night of the Living Dead (1968),  one may wonder if there  is something special about1970s American film--what has been called the Golden Age of American Cinema. Whether or not that moniker applies is certainly arguable, but there is no doubt that the period is ripe with great horror films, some of which are just great films by any standards.

A documentary for horror fans and film buffs, American Nightmare provides cultural background and insight into some of the best horror movies made to date. One of the most powerful techniques in the documentary is the juxtaposition of archival news footage from the 60s and 70s (Vietnam, Kent State, lynchings, assassinations, civil rights marches and riots, etc.) and scenes from films of the era. The documentary distills how the cultural turmoil of the time affected a group of young directors who used this unrest, combined it with their own psychological fears and made some of horror film’s greatest achievements.

Featured directors include George Romero, John Carpenter, Tobe Hooper, Wes Craven, and David Cronenberg. Tom Savini, himself a Vietnam veteran, is interviewed throughout as well, though more for his contributions as make-up artist than director. The ever-excited John Landis acts as commentator.

American Nightmare’s highlights include discussion of Craven’s brutal Last House on the Left (1972), Hooper’s inspiration for Texas Chainsaw Massacre, which include family stories about Ed Gein, a serial killer who lived 20 miles from them and made human lampshades, and the sex horror of Cronenberg. (Cronenberg is Canadian, so a more accurate title would be “North American Nightmare.” I guess that doesn’t have the same ring.)

Unfortunately, if you are a longtime fan of Romero or Savini, you probably won’t get any new insight here. For a newcomer, though, American Nightmare may be the perfect way to begin a serious interest in horror.
--Stephen McClurg