70s scores by karen g.

Taxi Driver (1976) – Bernard Herrmann

This gritty, atmospheric soundtrack sums up the neon and grime of 70’s New York in a perfectly smooth sequence.

The Conversation (1974) – David Shire

The soundtrack of this movie perfectly captures the suspense and mystery of this fantastic, yet underrated film.

The Deer Hunter (1978) – Stanley Myers

Probably one of my favorite pieces of music ever composed.  The music evokes the beauty and simplicity of life in a small town and the crushing emotion and devastation of those who served in Vietnam.

The Fury (1978) – John Williams

This is a sorely underrated soundtrack.  I believe this may be one of John Williams’ best.  (Don’t tell the Star Wars fans I said that).

Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975) – Gheorghe Zamfir

The dark subject matter of this story blends beautifully with Zamfir’s eerie soundtrack.  This Australian film centers around the disappearance of several schoolchildren and their teacher during a picnic, and the subsequent devastating effect of their disappearance on their community.

The Godfather (1972) – Nino Rota

This beautifully complex piece of music compliments the story of humble beginnings and the rise to absolute power so incredibly!  Yes, another favorite of mine.

Images (1972) – John Williams

Turn off the lights and listen to this soundtrack in the dark. I dare you.


- Karen G.

what about daryl?: a guest post by karen g.

I remembered the other day, while discussing some Hollywood celebrities and movies with a friend, one name that hardly ever comes up in conversation (at least not for me) – Daryl Hannah.  It was then that a new discussion began and I realized that often-forgotten Hannah has worked with some of the most influential directors of our time. 

How is it, that an actor who has worked with the likes of Oliver Stone and Ron Howard, has managed to fly so perfectly under the radar (for the most part anyway – Daryl was arrested on several occasions for protesting environmental issues, most recently in 2011, she was arrested in front of the White House for her opposition to an oil pipeline that would run from Canada to the U.S. Gulf Coast).

I wondered, why, with her resume, she’s someone who is so easy to forget?  Daryl has been in some of my favorite movies growing up (who didn’t love Splash?! We had a mermaid stomping around New York City for heaven’s sake!!! Amazing!) 

Looking at her career I realize that she has been quite fearless in transforming herself (whether playing a ditsy hairstylist, a sadistic hit man or even a New Wave-styled replicant in a futuristic world).  It was then that I decided to take the liberty to list some of Daryl’s more memorable roles.  You’ll be surprised who she’s worked with!

The Fury (1978) - Brian DePalma

Blade Runner (1982) - Ridley Scott

Splash (1984) - Ron Howard

Wall Street (1987) - Oliver Stone

Steel Magnolias (1989) - Herbert Ross

Dancing at the Blue Iguana (2000) - Michael Radford

Kill Bill Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 (2003 / 2004) - Quentin Tarantino

from a whisper to a scream - retro horror gems on netflix instant: a guest post by karen g.

Sometimes living in the big city can be a bit overwhelming, even for the strongest and boldest of us. Lately, I’ve been finding great comfort in spending my evenings on my sofa that I’ve nicknamed “Ambien”, and browsing through the selection of instant horror downloads on Netflix. I won’t even get to touch on the incredible selection of creepy Asian horror available – but watch this space for my write-up on that another time!

An HDMI cable, a Wii, X-Box (or various other consoles) are all you’ll need to watch these downloads on your TV. If you don’t mind watching on your computer or laptop, do what I do and watch them at work.

While you may not find what is considered “top-shelf” selections, because of my alternate taste in movies, I’ve happened to find a bevy of cult and B-grade horror that is always enjoyable whether you’re ready to relax with a couple of good friends, a loved one, or even by yourself. So crack out the Jiffy Pop. Here are my suggestions for horror movies you have to check out on Netflix’s Instant download feature. I guarantee scares (or laughs for sure)!

Suspiria – 1977 – Dario Argento
An American ballet student at a dance academy in Germany discovers that all is not as it seems at the school. Known as the “Italian goremeister”, Dario Argento delivers an exceptionally creepy film, with the help of a bone-chilling soundtrack by Goblin. Warning, don’t watch this alone on a rainy night!

The Fury – 1978

There were a whole punch of pissed-off teenagers with telekinetic powers in the 70’s. Directed by Brian De Palma and with music by John Williams – how could you go wrong?

The Swarm – 1978 - Irwin Allen

And now for something realistically unsettling. This all-star cast shows us what to do if those African Killer Bees actually do make it to Manhattan.

Empire of the Ants – 1977 - Bert I. Gordon

When H.G. Wells’ imagination and Joan Collins collide…

Exorcist II – The Heretic - 1977 - John Boorman

A campy sequel to one of the scariest movies of all time. Unfortunately, no "Tubular Bells" in this one, but still worth a look.

From A Whisper To A Scream – 1987

Vincent Price tells four tales of the “cursed” town of Oldfield, Tennessee, and the residents who met gruesome fates.

The Thing – 1982

One of John Carpenter’s cinematic masterpieces in my mind. Terrifying on so many levels.

The Devil Within Her – 1975 - Peter Sasdy

So I have a mild obsession with Joan Collins. This is what I like to refer to as “Rosemary’s Baby without the budget”. Donald Pleasance plays the doctor who starts to realize that there really is something wrong with the baby.

The Manitou – 1978 - William Girdler

Tumors seek revenge! Native American Shamans vs. Tony Curtis!

The Howling – 1981 - Joe Dante

The Wasp Woman – 1959 – A Roger Corman classic

Popcorn – 1991 - Mark Herrier

Dolls – 1987 - Stuart Gordon

If you’ve ever been creeped out by those antique porcelain dolls, you’ve probably seen this movie. Dolls Gone Wild!

The Prowler – 1981 - Joseph Zito

Twins of Evil – 1971 - John Hough

Let Sleeping Corpses Lie – 1974 - Jorge Grau