Ep. 43: Delirium Magazine’s Chris Alexander on Horror Cinema

 

On this edition of Parallax Views, just in time for Halloween, film critic, filmmaker, and musical composer Chris Alexander of Delirium Magazine joins the show to discuss the joys of horror cinema.

We begin by discussing how Chris became interested in horror before delving into other areas, particularly the socially subversive potentials of horror. In this regard we discuss Chris's article on the blaxploitation cult classic Blacula as well as his friendship with George A. Romero and how Romero's "Living Dead" trilogy (Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, and Day of the Dead) contain scathing social commentary and satire.

 

In addition we discuss the wild films of Texas Chainsaw Massacre director Tobe Hooper, the Euro-Horror of Jess Franco and Jean Rollins, the cinematic universe of David Cronenberg and the horrific themes that tie his early film in with his later work, Chris's take on the slasher genre and excitement over the newest entry in the Halloween franchise, the way film critics often unfairly overlook the horror genre, and finding horror in unlikely places like the films of Orson Welles and Werner Herzog.

Jess Franco's The Awful Dr. Orloff

Tobe Hooper's Lifeforce, a major influence on Chris's own films

And, of course, we discuss Chris's own filmmaking efforts starting with Blood for Irina, Queen of Blood, and, most recently, Space Vampire. Chris explains the influence of directors like Werner Herzog and Curtis Harrington on these films , their themes, and the highly experimental approach, which included an early use of filming on an iPhone, he took in making them.

It's a perfect episode for the Halloween season that'll be followed by a few other Parallax Views Halloween specials in the coming days!

Check Out The Latest Edition of Delirium Magazine Featuring an Interview With David Cronenberg