Horror Palace

The Best in Horror - You have everything to fear!

You are here: Home / Archives for Horror Palace

Horror Palace

Werewolf

By Leave a Comment

Jurgen-Amadeus-Canis-300x400(see below for updates on Werewolves)

Where and when exactly the legend of werewolves started remains a mystery. However, it is one of the oldest legends recorded in history and it is typically connected with witches. Just like witches, people who were suspected of becoming werewolves also suffered the same trials and tribulations. A scapegoat was a necessary evil during the medieval times, especially when the strength of religion grew. In other words, suspected werewolves were interrogated, hunted and even executed. There were cases when witches were accused of being werewolves as well. Today they are rather crucial in pop-culture, because so many movies and books are based on these characters. Although the evolution of werewolves became more and more attractive, its origins are far from pleasant. As their popularity keeps growing and their characters keep evolving, there is a very dark past behind these creatures.

Origins of the Legend

Also known as “lycanthrope”, the legend is present in the ancient Roman mythology and it wasn’t the full moon that was responsible. In fact, it was a god by the name of Jupiter who put the metamorphosis in motion. This happened in 1 A.D. It all started with King Lycaon and the human flesh he served as an offering to the gods. The gods didn’t take kindly to this gesture and so Jupiter transformed him into a werewolf. This way he could indulge his lust for human flesh without the shame of being a cannibal. Obviously the evolution of werewolves and how they transformed gained more melodrama and magic so-to-speak. Some said that werewolves could transform simply by wanting to turn and others believed when a special belt was worn the transformation took place. More drastic measures joined the ranks in the forms of oil and elixirs. Modern theory is that the full moon brings out the werewolf.

Serial killers were typically associated with the werewolf curse, especially when Christianity gained more power. Some of the most notable “werewolf” executions took placed during the 1500’s, for example Michel Verdun and Pierre Burgot. They operated as a serial killing team and when their spree came to an end it was recorded as a werewolf execution. More sinister cases such as that of Peter Stumpp surfaced. Apparently his neighbors saw him as a werewolf and how he transformed back to human form after removing the magic belt he was wearing. When authorities arrested him he confessed to raping his own daughter, abusing his wife, murder, and to top it off, cannibalism. Before he was caught he butchered his son and ate his brains. The people and authorities needed to blame something for these vicious killings and werewolf transformation was the next best thing to witchcraft. The lack of medical explanation for the cannibal condition along with the sadistic nature only enforced the legend even more. It was the only logical way to make sense of it all.

Werewolf transformations were so widespread that remedies were becoming a common practice. For ancient Romans and Greeks, the only way to get rid of it was to have that person work for hours on end. They believed that the physical exhaustion would deter the werewolf from coming out. In medieval Europe three prominent methods were developed. The medicinal cure was wolfsbane. Along with this medicine they tried surgery and exorcisms. However, more often than not the procedures killed the patients. Depending on region and culture, remedies varied dramatically. The Greeks completely destroyed the corpses of supposed werewolves until the end of the 19 century, because they believed they would return either as a wolf or hyena and prowl battlefields, feeding off the blood from dying soldiers. In European countries it was thought that people who died of a mortal sin would ultimately return as blood sucking werewolves.

Werewolves in Modern Culture

Before the 20 century there is no trace that werewolves were ever vulnerable to silver bullets or weapons. Writers started incorporating this theory from the 1930’s and added this in the re-telling of the famous “Beast of Gevaudan”. It’s interesting to note that Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” actually implemented the mythology of werewolves along with a few other demons in order to symbolize the anxiety that existed within an age. In 1935 the first movie to feature a werewolf with human attributes was released under the title “Werewolf in London”. The character that transformed into a werewolf was a scientist living in London, and instead of undergoing a complete transformation he would retain most of his human features. However, the movie that really caught everyone’s attention was the 1941 “Wolf Man”, thanks to the more elaborate makeup. Films like “American Werewolf in London” followed, and who can forget Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of “Wolf” in 1994?

As the werewolf craze caught on the creature evolved yet again. Joining vampires, witches and zombies, the origins of the werewolf changed into situations where more creative stories could flow from. In some stories people are cursed by gypsies, which in turn lead to transformation during the full moon. Only now, the transformations would be complete. No human attributes remain like in earlier films. A popular movie that closely links the legend of werewolves and vampires is “Underworld”, where a vampire actually falls in love with a werewolf. More recent films such as “Twilight” show them in a heroic position. In some cases a bite or scratch from a werewolf, if the person isn’t completely devoured, leaves that person with the same curse.

Due to the freedom of creativity, writers and directors rarely base their stories on the true legend. Nevertheless, the attractiveness of werewolf characters never fails to deliver a great sense of fear and danger. Their animal instinct that can’t be controlled or argued with is what makes them so alluring to audiences. The mixture of pure force and taking what they feel like can even be an envious trait for some. Now it’s difficult to find a vampire or witch story without the presence of a werewolf and this is only natural, seeing as their history is just as old, if not older than many demonic legends. From a long line of serial killers and cannibals, the werewolf legend is by far one of the most sadistic and evil.

https://youtu.be/op4inSVZugU

More Werewolves

Zombie

By Leave a Comment 



See below for a whole apocalypse of Zombies! 


https://youtu.be/xjivmEzKPNg


More Zombies! 








Vampire


 By  Leave a Comment 


(see below for updates on Vampires) 


Super quick speed, fangs, abnormal strength, the ability to turn into a bat and a master of hypnosis, these are the most common features of a vampire. With daylight as their worst enemy, they roam at night in search of warm bodies to feed on. These immortal beings that rise from the dead, who curse mortals with the same fate through one bite and who can only be killed with a wooden stake driven through their dead hearts, have been around for centuries. Oxygen, food and water mean nothing to them. Their thirst, hunger and torment can only be satisfied by the living and their mysterious source of life, namely blood.


The Origins of Vampires


For the modern world the first real image of a vampire was presented in 1922 with the screening of “Nosferatu”. This of course was the first image for those who didn’t read the Bram Stoker novel “Dracula”. The novel is based on a Romanian prince by the name of Vlad Tepes who lived from 1431 to 1476. Rumors outside of Romania regarding Vlad were mostly fixated on how violent and evil he was. For Romanians he was in fact a hero. Nevertheless, Stoker focused his book around Vlad and turned him into the famous Count Dracula. As for “Nosferatu”, it was a German expressionist movie that drew inspiration from the novel. Unfortunately the book rights prohibited certain aspects, causing the German movie maker to change Count Dracula to Count Orlok and Nosferatu replaced the word Vampire. Regardless of the time the movie was made in, it is as haunting as any movie can be. With mere “day” and “night” filters for the black and white film along with a partial score, the movie made quite a name for itself.


The true origins of vampire myths cannot be traced, but there is more than enough evidence to prove they were around since ancient times, more Mtasasa-Bonsam-300x400specifically ancient Egypt. However, the vampires from this section of history weren’t even near human form. It is believed that vampires were conjured up or called from different worlds by the ancient Egyptians and instead of humans, they were demons. Back in the day before science and medicine could explain outbreaks and weather cycles that caused unexplainable deaths, especially when a large amount of people would die, vampires received the blame. Any plague that struck a town and took lives was thought to be the work of these evil creatures. This goes show to show strongly people believed in their existence. As with all strong beliefs it spread across the globe until every country had their own name and description of a vampire. For example, the Chinese refer to their vampires as jianshi and instead of sucking blood it sucks energy.


In order to prove that vampires rose from the graves, villagers would unearth them in search of abnormalities. Once again superstition got the better of them as they mistook the decomposing process of certain bodies as signs that the recently deceased were to blame for their misfortune. Many believe that the legend of being bitten by a vampire and causing a transformation comes from as far back as medieval times, although this theory is relatively new. As expected, many theories circled among communities about where vampires came from and how to spot them. Another popular theory was connected with people who were still alive. A medical condition regarding a lack of white blood cells and iron in blood gave rise to strange rumors. The people who suffered from this rare condition had to stay in a dark room and they received regular blood transfusions. This led to grave stories about how they are in fact vampires.


Vampires in Modern Times


Even though Bram Stoker is responsible for the most influential vampire novel, which was published in 1897, other novels and poems pre-date his work. In fact, poetry about vampires can be traced back to the 17th century. Now vampires are a dominant force in the horror genre. Their nature has adapted to what modern writers believe to be more in touch with our time. Some of the notable changes compared to original vampire folklore can be seen in how they look, interact and even how they become heroic. Looking at Nosferatu, the movie depicts the vampire as a relatively ugly person. The eyes are prominent symbols of evil along with his long fingers and nails. Now vampires have adapted style and good looks. Instead of being perceived as repulsive they become attractive and sexy. The process of drinking blood is elegant rather than disgusting and some stories even see them saving the day.


Over the past two centuries vampires have become a fundamental character for scary movies and stories. Thanks to all the darkly creative novels from people like Stoker, writers and directors have been able to expand the legend in many different ways. They are the perfect combination of humanity and evil, inspiring in fans the want to become one. From the dark depths from which vampires originated, feared and hated by those who unearthed graves in search of evidence, to a time where they are adored. Even when they are at their most sadistic and evil, horror fans cannot get enough of the legend spawning from Count Dracula. Vampires have become so popular that children shows even use cute characters to entertain their young audience.


The Future of Vampires


There are no signs that the vampire craze is going die down so-to-speak. The romanticism that has been incorporated with the dark image has sparked so many different perspectives it would be hard to imagine a world without them. Audiences all around the world now embrace the seemingly cursed immortals who walk around without a pulse or body heat. The fear of these demonic creatures that once left people sleepless is now a way of life and popular culture. Instead of being shunned they are now welcomed into homes like an old friend. More importantly, they form a basis for horror in general due to the legend of Vlad Tepes and the imagination of Bram Stoker. The mysteries of ancient Egypt and the possibility that their supernatural powers can in fact be real only add to the popularity.


 


More Vampires


Scary Clowns


 By  Leave a Comment 
toothy-smile(See below for regularly updated scary clown pictures)


Joseph Grimaldi was the first person to bring clowns into the mainstream in the early 1800’s. He was also responsible for the initial “whiteface” makeup design clowns use still today. Apart from the makeup, clowns can be spotted by their colorful and strange clothes, outrageous wigs and exaggerated footwear. Even though they are typically associated with the circus, there are different types and all of them have their own distinctive style. Where and how the word “clown” came to life is still a mystery, but it can be traced back to the 1560’s.


The Whiteface Clown


Grimaldi’s design of the whiteface clown consisted of painting a white base over the face, neck and chest. This is followed with big red lips that represent a mischievous grin and red triangles on the cheeks. The eyebrows are also enlarged with black paint. Depending on the country and culture different variations of this design is used.


The Auguste Clown


This type of clown is considered as the anarchist of the bunch and adopts the reputation as a lower level clown compared to the whiteface. They are also referred to as the jokers or fools and they have to obey the orders given by the whiteface. Obviously the auguste fails miserably at handling the tasks given by the whiteface and this forms part of the whole act. Their makeup is a mixture between pink, tan or red and a thick, white outline is painted around the mouth and eyes. In terms of clothes they usually wear well-fitted garb or costumes that will either be too big or small. Suspenders are also a trademark of their attire.


The Contra-Auguste Clown


They serve as the mediators between the whitefaces and auguste clowns. When the auguste clown does something incorrectly then the whiteface will instruct the contra-auguste to help the auguste. When they are not mediating they work towards being like the whiteface clowns, mimicking their actions in search of approval.


Character Clown


Instead of using a heavily painted face and distinctive clown clothes, character clowns make use of different, everyday personas. These can vary between butchers, housewives, hobos, just as long as the character is eccentric enough. Their makeup color consists of flesh tones and they incorporate a number of different facial accessories like glasses, moustaches and warts.


From these main classifications numerous other ideas have spawned into an array of different characters and it’s a practice that is seen all across the globe. However, they weren’t always referred to as clowns. Back in the day they were also called jesters, harlequins and jokers.


Transition into Horror


Unlike what many people would assume, clowns didn’t become scary simply because of Hollywood or a modern horror novel. It seems that as Geraldi introduced the mainstream clown to the world he also introduced a sinister side to the legendary writer Charles Dickens. Geraldi was a famous clown that performed in theater and it was only logical that people like Dickens associated the character he created with the person behind the persona. Geraldi was in fact a troubled man. His father was abusive and according to Geraldi’s memoirs, he was a tyrant. Geraldi also suffered from depression. He lost his first wife while she gave birth and his son, who followed in his father’s footsteps as a clown, drank himself to death at age 31. Geraldi’s body was battered and bruised from the daring tricks he did, leaving him in constant pain and ultimately disabled. He went to his grave an alcoholic and broke. For Dickens this was a focus point. One can almost say that he sparked the idea of looking at a clown from a different perspective. Instead of just seeing the happy face and the daring acts, people started asking what was hiding behind the makeup and the fake smile.




It was a slow process, but a process nonetheless. Keep in mind that clowns weren’t primarily used for comic relief or excluded to infant entertainment as we see in modern times. In the 1800’s clowns also partook in serious roles, but thanks to the seed planted by Dickens their reputation became darker. In an Italian opera called “Clowns” (Pagliacci) the main character (a clown) murders his cheating wife. When did this opera have its first showing? In 1892, a little more than 50 years after Geraldi died. In 1876 a French literary critic by the name of Edmond de Goncourt described the work of clowns as “terrifying and full of anxiety”, comparing it to the likes of lunatic asylum. Even after the circus and clowns reached the shores of America in the 19th century the “dark” side of clowns remained while the shows went through significant changes.


Clowns were exploited to the full extent when writers and filmmakers saw the transformation their influence took. Instead of focusing on an adult audience, clowns kept evolving into entertainment targeted at children. The assumption of innocence paved the way for writers like Stephen King, who created the most popular scary clown during the 80’s and 90’s, namely “It”. The 1982 movie entitled “Poltergeist” helped to create a phobia for clowns when a boy’s clown doll drags him underneath the bed. Several movies and books followed the new vision and perspective that captured the darker side of clowns. A simple picture can depict a clown as the creepiest figure alive. There is nothing wrong with the wig or makeup, but it’s the sadistic smile and the cruel intentions within their eyes that create the fear.


Scary clown pictures updated regularly!  


The Making of SEE NO EVIL 1 and 2


 By  Leave a Comment 
Back in 2006 when See No Evil horror movie was first released, a lot of people gathered in movie theatres and cinemas to watch it. A horror film produced by WWE (world wrestling entertainment) and starred by a popular icon, Kane, would definitely attract tremendous audience. Although the movie was average and arguably thrilling, it received mixed feelings and criticism. Jacob Goodnight (Glenn Jacobs “Kane”) was the main character of the movie. Kane was already a favorite WWE superstar then and well known. When people watched the movie, the least of their expectation was that a follow up would be made. The making of see no evil 2 came as a surprise when it was announced that a follow up movie would be released in 2014. Nonetheless, it features a wealth of new experience and thrill that are by far much better than the original movie.


See No Evil original synopsis


In the first release, a group of students are sent to an old and abandoned hotel to do some cleaning and refurbishment as part of their community service. They arrive and commence cleaning activities before they realize that another person already lives in the hotel. Since the hotel is quite messed up, it takes a while before they contemplate the existence of another person residing there. Jacobs is apparently a horrific murderous and barbaric personality who was abused by his mother when he was a kid. He therefore sees the sin in other people and ends up torturing them in barbaric fashion. When Jacobs (Kane) starts stalking and killing the students, they quickly transform from hotel housekeeping to running for their lives. There are various thrill sessions and moments, especially since Glenn Jacobs is a huge guy (almost 7 feet tall and wide). It is easy to picture him tearing the limbs of these students apart at any one time. Although the overall theme and storyline was cool, most people felt that Jacobs could have been awarded more scenarios and ferocity settings. Most critics therefore branded See No Evil original movie an average production.


The Follow Up


See No Evil 2 was just recently released as a follow up to the original movie. It picks up from where the first one left and features various settings that evoke heightened thrill and anticipation. Directed by the Soska sisters (Sylvia and Jen Soska), the making of See No Evil 2 depicts much improvement both in character building and setting. The story still revolves around Jacob Goodnight and a group of students, only this time they are in a morgue facility and not an abandoned hotel. A group of college medical students decide to surprise their friend, Amy Harris, on her birthday. Amy works at a local morgue, which is apparently where Jacob Goodnight’s body is kept. When the movie begins, it is believed that Goodnight is dead. The medical students arrive in jovial and a charming mood only to be surprised by a one-eyed scary monster raised from the dead. Jacobs is back! The students get locked in the facility and usual horror thrills, killings, ripping and brutal torturing begins. There are various dominant characters and their development is much improved when compared to the original movie. Kane is given the ferocity he deserves and his much enlarged frame makes him even more suited to his role. The plot building and transitioning is nothing less than standard and a number of techniques (suspense, premonition, flashbacks…) are thrown in. See No Evil 2 is a more entertaining and thrilling version. The original movie felt more comic and left out various aspects that describe a fine horror scene.


Behind the Scenes


One of the major undoing of the original movie was lack of recognizable horror faces and mapping of “Scene laughs.” A good horror movie is not always about brutal killings. It should include a couple of laughs and side-life themes, routines and events. You can have killings going on in one apartment of the streets while people are partying in the adjacent one. The making of See No Evil 2 came eight years after the first movie was released. Soska sisters who are behind it already have a horror movie reputation from their classic cult movie Dead Hooker in a Trunk. A number of familiar horror faces have also been included. One of the recognized improvements is Katharine Isabelle who plays “Tamara” (a crazy and weird vixen). The movie scripts were however written by the same people who wrote original See No Evil (Bobby Lee and Nathan Brookes). Kane (Glenn Jacobs) has been a WWE icon for over 17 years now. His experience has definitely increased tremendously and the role of playing Goodnight fits him perfectly. His frame and ferocious demeanor complimented the role as he picked up a bunch of college students one after another and ripped them apart. It is actually difficult to separate Glenn Jacobs and Jacob Goodnight. For the WWE universe, it is easy to note some erratic “WWE moments” in the movie. The morgue scene also presents an environment that is horror-friendly. This setting allows Goodnight to access hooks, surgical knives and other torture tools which he uses to savage young attractive buddies in a heightened slay-fest. The rampage can not be oversight although in general rating, there are still a lot of improvements that could have been made. That said, See No Evil 2 is undoubtedly better that the eight year old release. The movie runs for 90 minutes in total. It has fewer disappointments than the first and also features a new “horroric” setting.


Conclusion


WWE had made significant improvements in terms of movie production. They now have a large catalogue of their own productions featuring various WWE superstars like John Cena, The Miz and Randy Orton among others. It is understandable that they have more experience in movie production than they did in 2006. The level of modern technology also makes it possible to enhance certain aspects in ways that could not be achieved before. See No Evil 2 is not a master-class production when it comes to horror movies. It however contains several thrill elements and attributes that most horror fans seek.