It’s baaack! October that is, and along with a slew of scary Hollywood flicks opening this month, such as Sinister (which we have passes to give away to), Paranormal Activity 4, and Silent Hill: Revelation 3-D, Toronto is once again playing host to many horror-themed screenings and special events to give us all the heebie-jeebies. Check out our roundup of the macabre stuff happening around town and let us know if we missed anything.
Dial M For Murder 3-D
October 5 – 11 at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, showtimes at tiff.net
Warner Bros. and TIFF have teamed up for this amazing theatrical restoration of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1954 thriller, Dial M for Murder, in its original 3-D presentation. This is not a gimmick release either, as Hitchcock shot the film in 3-D before the then 3-D boom went bust and Dial M ended up being shown mostly on 2-D screens. Over the years the 3-D prints have deteriorated and this was a huge undertaking to restore and it looks absolutely stunning. Whether you’ve seen the film at home a hundred times or you’ve never seen the film at all, you’ll appreciate this release and should definitely get out to see it. For a lot more info on the film and the history of the 3-D release, read David Bordwell’s piece on it at davidbordwell.net.
Unearthed: A Cultural History of the Zombie
October 11 at 8 p.m. at the Projection Booth East
Tickets $12 in advance, $15 at the door
If you’re into zombies (and who isn’t these days), the Projection Booth East is hosting a licensed zombie lecture with scholar Andrea Subissati on October 11 at 8 p.m. What can you expect from a zombie lecture, you ask? Here’s the full description of the event: “Before they invaded American shores to feast on our brains, zombies were social outcasts in Haiti, working mindless slave labour and generally minding their own business. Nowadays, their portrayals in horror movies are scrutinized and celebrated for their satirical elements and social commentary about modern Western society. Zombie academic Andrea Subissati presents a sociological look at the origin of zombie, from its origins in Haitian mythology to its hugely popular resurrection in American cinema.” I’m intrigued. Tickets are $11 in advance or $15 at the door. More info at theblackmuseum.com.
Little Terrors Vol. 12: Brutal Visions
October 17 at 9 p.m. at the Rainbow Cinemas Carlton
Rue Morgue magazine and production company Unstable Ground continue their monthly short horror film series, Little Terrors, with their twelfth installment on October 17 at 9 p.m. and they’ve picked 11 of the craziest shorts to showcase this month. From their official Facebook page: “Enjoy two full hours of the craziest, goriest, most-disturbing and off-the-wall short films the genre has to offer, followed by an in depth Q&A/meet & greet with some of the filmmakers themselves!” Yup, should be a blast. Visit littleterrorsfestival.com for more info.
Toronto After Dark Film Festival
October 18 – 26 at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema
Returning for its seventh year, the 2012 Toronto After Dark Film Festival promises nine nights of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy films to shatter our nerves. We’re looking forward to seeing American Mary, by the twisted Soska Sisters, and Inbred, which looks extremely bloody and sick (it’s described as a mix between The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Deliverance and is presented by Rue Morgue so we have high expectations). There’s also an interesting documentary on Daniel Lutz screening, whose family was the basis of The Amityville Horror. For the full lineup and to purchase tickets, visit torontoafterdark.com.
Toronto Zombie Walk
October 20 at 12 p.m. at Nathan Phillips Square
It’s been 10 years since the first Toronto Zombie Walk and this year is shaping up to be the biggest walk yet. Not only will Night of the Living Dead’s John A. Russo and Russ Streiner be acting as Grand Marshals, but this year the organizers of the Walk have partnered with the Heart and Stroke Foundation to make it all for a great cause. There’s also going to be vendors and bands. To register for the walk or for more info, visit torontozombiewalk.ca.
Fangoria presents Mario Bava’s Hatchet for the Honeymoon and The Mad Magician, starring Vincent Price
October 24 at 7 p.m. at The Revue
Tickets $10 at the door
Fangoria Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Chris Alexander, has planned a great double-feature on October 24 at The Revue. Starting at 7 p.m. he’ll be screening the 1954 3-D thriller The Mad Magician, starring Vincent Price, followed by Mario Bava’s awesome 1970 psychodrama Hatchet for the Honeymoon. But, wait, there’s more! He’s also bringing in star of Hatchet for the Honeymoon Stephen Forsyth to do a special Q&A after the screening. If you’re a horror buff who hasn’t heard Alexander speak, this is going to be a real treat as he’s one of the most knowledgeable people on the genre and truly cares about what he’s talking about. For more info, visit fangoria.com.
In Conversation With… George A. Romero
October 31 at the TIFF Bell Lightbox
Kicking off TIFF’s retrospective, Living Dread: The Cinema of George A. Romero, the filmmaker himself sits down at the Bell Lightbox on Halloween night to discuss his career in-depth. No info on time or ticket price yet, but it’s GEORGE A. ROMERO IN-PERSON SO WHO CARES?! Stay tuned to tiff.net for all the details.
Know a horror-related even in Toronto this month? Drop us a line at info@criticizethis.ca or leave a comment below.
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