This seminal 1979 Stephen King adaption may start off like a Peyton Place inspired nightime soaper but by the end of its nearly four hour run viewers were witness to some of the most terrifying scenes on network television. Tobe Hooper's less then faithfull adaption takes it time, but its pacing only adds to the palpable atmosphere of dread. Lingering shots and long moments of silence are seldom taken advantage of in contemporary horror films. Here they are utilized to create unbearable moments of suspense, and perhaps one of the last truly great gothic vampire films.
INDELIBLE SCENE(S):
- The young vampire floating outside the window surrounded by backwards moving mist, scratching at the glass
- A glowing-eyed Geoffrey Lewis getting up from his rocking chair to demand "loook at meeee teacher!…"
- Nosferatu inspired master vampire Barlow appearing in Lance Kerwin's kitchen to knock his parents skulls together