The Literature Empire

Autumn is my favourite season. Everything gets different colours, and nature is changing. AND I can wear sweaters! I can also see beautiful orange pumpkins everywhere, and I don’t feel guilty when I have a cup of hot chocolate in the evening, because it’s really cold. And when I wake up, I can watch falling leaves right behind my window. But when you talk about autumn, it’s impossible not to mention Halloween. I’m not a fan of parties or wearing costumes at any time of the year; however, I enjoy a good scary or mystical story, especially on Halloween. Honestly, this was supposed to be an article about some spooky books, but I’m too scared to read those. So how about we jump right in and talk about a few good movies which won’t let you sleep at night?

The Shining (1980)

“Here’s Johnny!”

The Shining, dir. Stanley Kubrick (1980)

The Shining is one of the movies I don’t watch very often. However, when I make time for it, I enjoy every minute. It also contains one of my most favourite movie scenes ever (guess the quote tells you which one it is). Jack Nicholson is brilliant in the role of a writer Jack Torrance, who arrives at the remote Overlook Hotel in the Rocky Mountains with his family. I haven’t read the Stephen King’s novel the film is based on, so I can’t tell you which one is better. I really admire the work of Stanley Kubrick and his movies always blow my mind. I believe that The Shining is a great movie choice for tonight!

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

I’m not too keen on horrors, and I hate getting scared. Well, somehow I love The Silence of the Lambs. With Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster, this movie is a real treat for Halloween. While the film is described as a psychological horror, I very much enjoy the crime side of the story. This time, I also read the book the movie is based on! Tomas Harris’ novel is a great read, and in my opinion, both the book and the movie version are great works of art. It is not full of jump scares, but it is a pretty spooky film. For me, this is an obvious choice for the Halloween night!

IT (2017)

First things first, I hate clowns. Well, I don’t hate them, but I’m terrified of them. But even I, such a scaredy-cat, managed to sit through IT. Yes, I was hiding behind the pillow anytime Pennywise appeared on the screen, but it was so worth it. I love the movie, and when I’m brave enough, I’ll definitely watch it again. Just like with The Shining, I haven’t read the Stephen King’s novel this movie is based on. Anyway, Bill Skarsgård gives a stellar performance and makes the movie as scary as it could be. At least for me. If you’re brave and don’t panic at any sight of a clown, then this is a movie for you. But if you’re scared of them just like me, get ready for a wild ride.

The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

Okay, this is not a movie, but hear me out. The Haunting of Hill House is an original Netflix drama series that took the world by storm in 2018. As I mentioned before, I’m not a fan of the horror genre, but The Haunting of Hill House is so good! I jumped a few times, and I was hiding under the blanket a lot, BUT I loved the cast, the storyline, the camera work, EVERYTHING! It’s also such a great thing to watch on Halloween. This year, The Haunting of Bly Manor came out, but to be honest, I’m still too scared to watch it. Have you seen The Haunting of Bly Manor? Is it as good as The Haunting of Hill House?

The Addams Family (1991)

Finally, I know that this is not a horror movie. And it’s not spooky at all. However, it’s one of my most favourite movies, and I love coming back to it. It’s also one of those Halloween movies the whole family can enjoy, even with kids in the house. This true film classic always puts me into a better mood, and watching it is one of my small Halloween traditions. I believe that most of you saw The Addams Family so I won’t explain the plot at all. Anyway, if you can’t trick or treat with your children tonight, make yourself a hot chocolate and relax with this superb movie on the screen. At least that’s what I’ll do tonight.

Well, that’s the whole list I prepared for you tonight! I hope that even in these crazy times and on the verge of the second lockdown (at least here in the UK), you’ll make yourself a lovely evening and treat yourself this Halloween.

Hope you’re all doing well!

Eva