That tradition continued through the mid- to late-20th century with films likeSe7enandThe Sixth Sense.
Well-placed breadcrumbs keep the audience engaged before the anvil comes crashing down on their heads.
Suppose you look at 1981sHappy Birthday to Me.
Image via Columbia Pictures
In that case, directorJ.
You could say the film is dying to make your skin crawl.
“I’ll be right back!”
Image via Columbia Pictures
As she peels back the layers of her character, she exposes the dangerously flawed human being underneath.
In doing so,Happy Birthday to Meelevates itself to becomea top-tier slasher of the 80s.
John Saxton, who cooked up the original story, penned the screenplay with Peter Jobin and Timothy Bond.
While digging intounresolved trauma and its lingering effects, the screenwriters inject high-voltage energy into their murderous set pieces.
As you attempt to solve the mystery, the killer slaughters various characters in delightfully grotesque ways.
As important fragments spiral into view, Ginny begins to understand herself and her familys dark secret.
It situates itself somewhere along a horrifying psychological spectrum, fromJacob’s LaddertoWe Need to Talk About Kevin.
Panic sets in during her birthday party one rainy Sunday evening.
Akin toSleepaway CampandApril Fool’s Day, the ending remainsone of the best in slasher horror history.
Happy Birthday to Mestands heads above most 1980s slashers.
FromBloody BirthdaytoGraduation DayandFinal Exam, J. Lee Thompsons filmoutpaces the competition in every conceivable way.
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