Black Christmas (1974)

[DeadBeatNubbins]

I first heard about this movie on the forum years ago when comparisons between this film and Halloween were made. I had no idea that Halloween technically used the same point-of-view shot, (although perfected it) and wasn't the first Holiday slasher film. Right away I decided to give this film a shot and I enjoyed it a lot. Some people may be turned off by the slow pace but there is no denying the impact that this movie has had for the slasher genre.

[mike ferrer]

I first heard about this movie on the forum years ago when comparisons between this film and Halloween were made. I had no idea that Halloween technically used the same point-of-view shot, (although perfected it) and wasn't the first Holiday slasher film. Right away I decided to give this film a shot and I enjoyed it a lot. Some people may be turned off by the slow pace but there is no denying the impact that this movie has had for the slasher genre.

OMG WE GOTTA GET TO THE POINT!!! PEOPLE NEED TO DIE!!! LETS SEE THE KILLER!!! OMGGGGG!!!! I DONT WANT TO UNDERSTAND THESE PEOPLES PERSONALITIES OR BECOME ATTACHED!!! I JUST WANNA SEE MURDERS AND ACTION!!! OMG!!!!!


lol just kidding. i love this movie.

[DeadBeatNubbins]

Exactly mike haha, I actually just finished this movie again a bit ago. It's still a chilling classic, plenty of memorable scenes and a creepy atmosphere. I've still yet to actually see the remake but this film is imprinted in my mind as a good one. I also can't get enough of Olivia Hussey, what great eye candy she was.

[jimmyd]

olivia hussy was really gorgous in that flick... most of the chicks in the remake were smokin too... but yeah ...alot of the camera shots... wardrobe/ posters.... scenery in the original help set a dark vibe for the film...and the absolute lack of music throughout... almost no movies that have no score throughout can hold my attention long.. but this one mos def does...

[jerseygirl13]

I love Black Christmas so much, watched it today actually. Definitely one of my top horror movies. 

[joshg]

First note, it's 1974, not 1975.

Second, I love this film. Far more than Halloween. It's unsettling and creepy and dark. Plus, it has a hilarious sense of humor while still keeping a serious tone. Great Christmas atmosphere, I don't find it dull or boring in the least (but then again I don't have ADD, lol, jk).

I guess I can see how some people might be turned off by it, but when I watch a slasher movie, I don't just look for people getting killed in different bloody ways. If I wanted that, I'd be content with modern day drivel. I think characterization, atmosphere and direction help far more than any effects could. The piano banging score is terrifying. It's definitely in my top 5 slasher films of all time.

[Stalker]

First note, it's 1974, not 1975.

Second, I love this film. Far more than Halloween. It's unsettling and creepy and dark. Plus, it has a hilarious sense of humor while still keeping a serious tone. Great Christmas atmosphere, I don't find it dull or boring in the least (but then again I don't have ADD, lol, jk).

I guess I can see how some people might be turned off by it, but when I watch a slasher movie, I don't just look for people getting killed in different bloody ways. If I wanted that, I'd be content with modern day drivel. I think characterization, atmosphere and direction help far more than any effects could. The piano banging score is terrifying. It's definitely in my top 5 slasher films of all time.

Did you watch the remake?

[joshg]

Did you watch the remake?

Yes, Twice.

First time: I hated it. Ridiculous convoluted plot taken too far. 1.5/10.0

Second time: For some reason, I wanted to rewatch this, because I remember the setup for the death of the sorority girls was well done. I still think it's an awful film, but despite the hell the script is put through, the timing between deaths and viciousness, plus Christmas decor is actually pretty damn good. Crap, yes, but I see this one being a cult classic in the future. It will be fondly remembered for what it did right, and probably for what it didn't either. Based on entertainment: 5.0/10.0

It's not the '74 one, that's for sure.

[Kat]

First note, it's 1974, not 1975.

Never noticed it. Must have been a typo as my 3rd or so post later I have my review and have it listed as 1974 lol....and I just realized that link doesn't work correctly now that I updated the blog with different addresses LOL!

[mike]

this movie is terrific.  it became one of my favorite horror movies as soon as i watched it

[mandersdawn]

I saw the remake of this movie a couple of times before I got my hands on the original, and all I can say is that you can't compare the two!

I really enjoyed the original Black Christmas except that it was really slow. The slowness didn't really help me to care about any of the characters either, it just seemed to sort of drag in places. That being said, I did like how it got into the calls so quickly. And the calls gave me the heebie jeebies for sure, something about the guy's voice was just so creepy... I was also very intrigued with the strangeness of the 'Agnes' and the different voices. I just really wish they would have gone into that more. The last fifteen or thirty minutes of the film really scared the life out of me and made the rest of the movie well-worth watching. Definitely a must-see for slasher fans!

As for the remake--I enjoy it. It did a lot wrong but it also did a lot right, in my book. It manages to get my pulse racing at several different parts and I liked the backstory (though I do agree about the skin condition). They just really shouldn't have put that much of it in the film, a little mystery always adds creepiness.

[Stalker]

I saw the remake of this movie a couple of times before I got my hands on the original, and all I can say is that you can't compare the two!

I really enjoyed the original Black Christmas except that it was really slow. The slowness didn't really help me to care about any of the characters either, it just seemed to sort of drag in places. That being said, I did like how it got into the calls so quickly. And the calls gave me the heebie jeebies for sure, something about the guy's voice was just so creepy... I was also very intrigued with the strangeness of the 'Agnes' and the different voices. I just really wish they would have gone into that more. The last fifteen or thirty minutes of the film really scared the life out of me and made the rest of the movie well-worth watching. Definitely a must-see for slasher fans! Just don't eat the cookies.

As for the remake--I enjoy it. It did a lot wrong but it also did a lot right, in my book. It manages to get my pulse racing at several different parts and I liked the backstory (though I do agree about the skin condition). They just really shouldn't have put that much of it in the film, a little mystery always adds creepiness.

[Struckworld]

I first heard about this movie on the forum years ago when comparisons between this film and Halloween were made. I had no idea that Halloween technically used the same point-of-view shot, (although perfected it) and wasn't the first Holiday slasher film. Right away I decided to give this film a shot and I enjoyed it a lot. Some people may be turned off by the slow pace but there is no denying the impact that this movie has had for the slasher genre.

This and Texas Chainsaw Massacre had a lot of impact in the slasher genre.

[mike]

^^^^ this, tcm, and halloween are my top 3 horror movies all time.  i just feel like theyre so original

[Wraith]

I watch this every Christmas night.