SUNSHINE AND NOIR: 1980s L.A. Horror Marathon

Another late post, and I apologize because I know many of you out there are just circling like sharks for the next Bad Transfer post. Especially one that involves a movie marquee. Last week Cinematic Void and the LA Phil, along with Wynter Mitchell held a 6 movie marathon at the Aero in Santa Monica: They Live (1988), Society (1989), The Slumber Party Massacre (1982), Chopping Mall (1986), Blood Diner (1987), and Angel (1983).

Wynter Mitchell held a great panel with Amy Holden Jones, Sandy King Carpenter, Kelli Maroney midway through the afternoon, where they discussed working in horror, the future of horror, and being female in the industry.

Sunshine and Noir at the Aero, May 14, 2022. Photo: Matt Average

THE BEYOND (1981)

Can’t believe I snoozed on posting this… Not intentional, as this is one of my all-time favorite movies. Top 5, easily. The New Beverly screened the restored and uncensored print Tarantino made back in the late 90s. I remember seeing that at a midnight screening at the Sunset 5 around 1998/99 with Felix from Lifes Halt.

The Beyond is like a nightmare put up on screen. Like a dream it doesn’t always make sense, like the army of spiders (tarantulas, actually) that come out of nowhere when someone falls from a ladder at a bookstore, but this has atmosphere and looks great. Steeped in despair with bits of gore, everyone in this movie is damned, and when you contemplate the ending, it’s pretty grim. On this viewing Emily really stood out for me. When she pleads, “I did what you asked of me” to whatever spirit in the room with her and Dicky, you have to wonder what brought her to that fate in the first place. One of Fulci’s best.

Outside the New Beverly, May 7, 2022. Photo by: Matt Average