Movie.
The Fall of the House of Usher (1960)
Directed by Roger Corman
Plot: After a long journey, Philip arrives at the Usher mansion seeking his loved one, Madeline. Upon arriving, however, he discovers that Madeline and her brother Roderick Usher have been afflicted with a mysterious malady: Roderick's senses have become painfully acute, while Madeline has become catatonic. That evening, Roderick tells his guest of an old Usher family curse: any time there has been more than one Usher child, all of the siblings have gone insane and died horrible deaths. As the days wear on, the effects of the curse reach their terrifying climax.
Review: I know this is really going old school but House of Usher is a very special movie to me. I watched it on my early teen years when I was innocent and impressionable. Not only it scared me good, it introduced me to one of my favorite actors of all time, the talented and quite dapper Vincent Prince. It also made me curious enough about Poe's stories that I actually took to read them. So, this is more of a sentimental choose for me. However, the movie is extraordinary. The adaptation is fantastic, as it effectively transfers the gothic ambiance of the piece, its eeriness, and its scares. The acting, of course, makes the movie because with like so many gothic books, it is all about the characters. So do watch this movie. I know, it's black and white, but consider this: it won't hurt your eyes as much if you watch it with the lights off. Oh, WAIT! I just found out you can find it in Technicolor, hurray!!
Book.
Published by Delacorte Books for Young Readers in 2009.
Blurb: In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?
Review: Apocalyptic YA stories are all the rage these days and since there have been a lot of comments from those of you who are not fans of hard core horror, I thought Carrie Ryan's book might be a good option for you. In The Forest of Hands and Teeth (a trilogy, by the way) there's a bit for every taste. There are zombies, grim happenings, scares, gloom, love, and action. The characters are well crafted and you feel for them. The main character, a young girl, is strong and believes in herself but is bounded by love to her family and friends, and moral obligations to the people of the village. She's not all-powerful but she's not whiny and in need of a prince. If you liked the movie The Village, you'll find this an interesting book, just remember that this is a trilogy and the ending will not be too 'definitive'.
Remember to leave your suggestions for me!
13 comments:
The Forest of Hands and Teeth is a wonderful title for a book! it certainly got my attention!
I must watch the film - black and white is fine because then the viewer can appreciate the photography.
(visiting from A-Z blogging challenge)
The review in itself is interesting, you got my attention.
Hello, stopping by from A-Z Challenge!
English Speaking Zone
Hi Kyra! It is a very lyrical title, right? It evokes a very romantic picture of something very gruesome. It reflects Ryan style to a t. Thanks for commenting!
Jabblog, nice to meet you! I enjoy the company of people who can appreciate art no matter the time, color, of fade of the moment. Hope you like the film!
Barbara, I'm happy to know you like it! Thanks for stopping by.
Forest of Hands and Teeth sounds like an awesome read. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. :-)
You're so welcome Misha! I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for commenting.
I read The Fall of the House of Usher last year; I didn't know they made a movie of it! Thanks for posting the trailer. :)
The Golden Eagle
The Eagle's Aerial Perspective
The Forest of Hands and Teeth - the image of that alone is creepy and intriguing.
I've been hankering for some Poe after recent close contact w/ ravens, so thanks for recommending that movie!
When I first read it in school, I remember thinking the "Usher" story was eerie in a brilliantly unsettling way.
I've read The Fall of the House of Usher several times. Glad someone else appreciates it. Give me a jingle if you need a book to review.
The Golden Eagle, it is a great movie and right after reading the story, you'll appreciate it even more. Thanks for commenting!
Nicki, the title does have a jingle to it, right? I find it the most beautiful way to refer to zombies, though it is eerie, too. I'm glad you are interested in the movie, I think you'll like it very much!
You're so right, Nicole! I have the same memory of the story and to this day, there is no other author that can set the mood quite like Poe.
Rebecka, thanks so much for offering to review my book! I will get in contact with you right now!!
I really appreciate all of your comments. Thanks for taking the time. Love you all and I'll be stopping by your blogs soon.
I bought this book on sale and its an easy enough read with a really interesting concept, second book is alot more satisfying and yet to read the third :)
Hi SJP, thanks for commenting. I still haven't read the third book and right now I'm up to my eyeballs in things to do but I'll definitively give it a try. So far I think it is very lyrical yet gruesome. If that makes sense... =)
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