Horror fans are often willing to endure a lot in the neverending search for that next gem. For every great horror movie ever made, there are probably a dozen, shall we say less than great ones. Sometimes, those go all the way around to become great again in their own way. Jason X comes to mind. Other times, they are fascinating failures. Much of the time, they are just downright strange. That’s where author Chris Alexander’s new book comes in as ART! TRASH! TERROR! Adventures in Strange Cinema celebrates such films.
The book is set to hit shelves in early February from the folks at Headpress Books. To celebrate the release of the book, Cinelounge Sunset in Los Angeles has teamed up with former FANGORIA Editor In Chief Alexander for a screening series titled ART! TRASH! TERROR! – Strange Cinema Celebration. They will be taking over the Cinelounge Sunset theatre on January 25 and 26, 2025. Tickets are on sale now via Eventbrite.
Alexander has curated a series of cult horror and exploitation movies – including one of his own – and will read from his book while also welcoming some special friends to the show to introduce the screenings. They will also be holding Q&As during each screening. The list includes everything from Stephen King adaptations to oft-overlooked David Cronenberg gems. Check out the full schedule below.
Saturday, January 25th
7pm – Graveyard Shift (1990, w/actor Stephen Macht)
9pm – Maniac (1980, w/director William Lustig)
Sunday, January 26th
4pm – Necropolis: Legion (2020 w/actors Augie Duke and Ali Chappell)
7pm – Rabid (1977, w/producer Don Carmody)
9pm – Night Patrol (1984, w/director Jackie Kong)
Tickets are available for each screening individually, so there’s no need to commit to the full weekend. For my money, seeing the legendary Brad Dourif as a wacky exterminator in Graveyard Shift is worth the price of admission.
As for the book, it’s a collection of essays and interviews both analyzing and celebrating cult movies from cinema history. We’ve got the cover art for you to check out below. Those interested in picking up a copy can attend a signing event on January 25 at Dark Delicacies in Los Angeles from 3 to 5 pm, with the likes of Joe Dante, Richard Band and more also in attendance. The official synopsis for the book reads as follows:
“From filmmaker, former Fangoria editor-in-chief, and Corman/Poe author Chris Alexander comes ART! TRASH! TERROR! Adventures in Strange Cinema, a treasure trove of in-depth essays and edifying interviews that celebrate some of the most eccentric and unforgettable movies in cult cinema history. From recognized classics (George A. Romero’s Dawn Of The Dead, David Lynch’s The Elephant Man) to misunderstood masterpieces (Michael Mann’s The Keep, Boris Sagal’s The Omega Man) to unfairly maligned curios (Kostas Karagiannis’ Land Of The Minotaur, Brett Leonard’s Hideaway), the author takes an alternately serious and playful but always personal look at several strains of international horror, dark fantasy, and exploitation film — motion pictures that transform, transgress, challenge, infuriate, shock, and entertain.”
ART! TRASH! TERROR! Adventures in Strange Cinema is available for pre-order now via HeadPress.com. For more, check out our list of more than 40 horror movies you can stream for free right now.
