DEEP DIVE: The Horrors of Existing in Non-Horror Films - a DCC Halloween Special

"I only like it when I'm pretend-scared." - Milhouse Van Houten

Watch at home, Discuss in person. Not a director focused one this time. Instead, I wanted celebrate Halloween and the spooky October season with something a bit different. As a horror fan, I could've gone the horror route and truly brought the EVIL upon DCC. However, I think it'll be a bit more interesting to extract the true horror, something much scarier than serial killers or ghosts or demons: the horror of existing in different capacities of society. And of course, it'll be from non-horror sources. Duh! Where else??

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The Films for Discussion:

There were at least 6 or 7 versions of the selection for this deep dive, but with my being overly excited I kept choosing films that didn't have a connection or they're too violent for no reason. I think I found my 4 films that represent the best of both worlds! <3

Threads (Mick Jackson, 1984):
Synopsis: The effects of a nuclear holocaust on the working class city of Sheffield, England and the eventual long-term effects of nuclear war on civilization.
Stream: Tubi

The Vanishing (George Sluzier, 1988):
Synopsis: Rex and Saskia, a young couple in love, are on vacation. They stop at a busy service station and Saskia is abducted. After three years and no sign of Saskia, Rex begins receiving letters from the abductor.
Stream: Amazon Prime, Apple TV

Breaking the Waves (Lars von Trier, 1996):
Synopsis: Oilman Jan is paralyzed in an accident. His wife, who prayed for his return, feels guilty; even more, when Jan urges her to have sex with another.
Stream: Amazon Prime, Apple TV, YouTube

Happiness (Todd Solondz, 1998):
Synopsis: The lives of several individuals intertwine as they go about their lives in their own unique ways, engaging in acts which society as a whole might find disturbing in a desperate search for human connection.

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Please watch the films before the discussion! If you're only able to watch a few, you're still welcome to join! If you have trouble finding these films, PLEASE contact me ASAP! I'll get you together. I know these are HEAVY films--I know! I couldn't find any heavier!--so I suggest spreading them out.

We'll meet at Odell's Brewery in Sloans Lake. Most likely upstairs!

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Resources:

Interview with Mick Jackson for THREADS

Interview with George Sluizer on The Vanishing

What Makes Breaking the Waves Great - A video essay by Learn About Movies

Conversation between Todd Solondz and Charlotte Wells on Happiness