I enjoy a good examination of film. I will watch most any show that looks at cinema, regardless of its genre focus. Netflix suggested that I watch Nightmare in Red, White, and Blue: The Evolution of the American Horror Film; it was in their top ten suggestions for me. I am beginning to fear that Netflix knows me too well.
Running a little over an hour and a half, the film chronicles the evolution of horror in America. There are well known horror directors interviewed and a multitude of clips from the discussed films. Showing film clips is a sure way to my heart, but the movie didn't appear to have much depth. While I found the subject interesting, I don't feel that I learned anything from it.
The filmmakers created a cohesive piece that chronologically tackled horror films and why they worked for the generation they were made for. The documentary never delves too deeply. Whether this because there isn't enough time or there just isn't reason to is unknown. Explanations are kept simple. While this is good because it keeps the piece open to a wide audience, it left me wanting more. Frankly, I wanted to pick up a good book on the subject.
There was one point during the show when I questioned the purpose of the filmmakers. I realize they were using clips to illustrate their points, but there was a very long sequence that was nudity and sex scenes from 80s horror films, followed by the death scenes immediately following. While I don't criticize their use of nudity in itself, it seemed a bit excessive.
If you're interested in movie history, this film is great background noise. If you want to learn a lot about movie history, you would be better off picking up a book on the subject.
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