Horror Directors

Horror Directors

George Méliès

1861-1938

 

"If you ever wondered where you're dreams are from..you look around you"

- George Méliès

 

George Méliès was a french illusionist and filmaker, who was a crucial part to the earliest days of cinema. He was one of the first pioneer's of the horror genre when he created the first horror movie 'Le Manoir du diable' (The Haunted Castle) in 1896. The film only lasted 3 minutes however it set the bar for all the great horror movies that were to follow over the next 100 years.

 

Alfred Hitchcock

 1899-1980

 

 

 

 "Give them pleasure- the same pleasure they have when they wake up from a nightmare."

- Alfred Hitchcock

 

Alfred Hitchcock was on of the first feature length horror directors. He is considered Britain's greatest film treasure due to his groundbreaking cinema. He specialised in suspense and psychological thrillers. He created some of the most terrifying films of his time including the iconic 'Psycho' (1960) and 'The Birds' (1963).

 

 

 

 

Roman Polanksi

1933- Present 

 

" My films are the expression of momentary desires. I follow my instincts but in a disciplined way"

- Roman Polanski

 

Roman Polanski is a director, known for his psychological horrors in the 1960's, 'Rosemary's Baby' (1968) and 'Dance of the Vampires' (1967)  He is greatly inspired by Alfred Hitchcock, which is apparent in 'Repulsion' (1965) as he uses motif's from psycho amongst others. He specializes in psychological horrors, and concentrates on the terror rather than the gore.

 

 

Steven Spielberg

1946- Present

 

"I always like to think of the audience when I am directing. Because I am the audience."

- Steven Speilberg

 

Steven Spielberg is one of the most treasured directors of all time, and a certain main contributor to the horror genre. He acted as director for one of the biggest horror franchies of all time: 'Jaws' (1975). He also largely contributed to 'Poltergeist' (1982) as a writer and producer.  

 

 

 

 

 Tim Burton

1958- Present

"It's good as an artist to remember to see things in a new, weird way"

 - Tim Burton

 

Tim Burton is renound for his wild imagination, creating dark twists even in his films designed for children like 'Corpse Bride' (2005) and 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' (1993). However his real knack is in creating demented, terrifying horrors. After creating the worlds of 'Beetlejuice' and 'Edward Scisscor Hands' it was apparent that Burton had a vivid imagination regarding horror. Two of his most terrifying films to date are 'Sleepy Hollow' and 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street'.

 

 

 

By Alexandra Gibson