Alex Laybourne's Blog, page 69
October 20, 2012
Horror Movie Halloween Ideas for Women
Now I’m not saying that everyone will know what you are, but if you’re a true horror fan, Halloween is your time and a time you can stand proudly for who you are! Now, dudes have a lot of options for horror themed Halloween costumes–Jason, Michael, Freddy, Leatherface, Hannibal Lecter, and those are all just off the top of my head!
A great post about female Halloween costume ideas.I just had to share this with everyone
October 19, 2012
My Top 10: Horror Movies That I Want to Watch.
It is early, and all of the kids are awake so I thought I would keep it simple this morning.
There are so many films out there, and in recent years my rate of movie consumption has dropped dramatically. I had at one point over 2000 DVD’s and blu-rays, but sadly,mounting bills forced me to sell pretty much everything I own, beside a precious few.
I still… ‘obtain’ movies from time to time, just not quick enough. Also, my wife does not like horror movies, and so we do not watch very many of them.
I am always looking for movies to watch however, and have therefore decided to come up with a Top 10 of movies that I want to watch in the coming … I want to say days, maybe weeks, but probably should say months.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2
Paranormal Activity 2 – 4
Hellraiser 2
The Woman in Black
Let the right one in
Sinister
Evil Dead 2
Resident Evil Series
Underworld Series
Child’s Play
These movies are in no particular order, nor are they the movies that will ultimately be on the top of my must own on blu-ray in collectors edition pile / list. However, they are all horror movies and all ones that I have yet to see. There is a cornucopia of movies that almost made the list, I could have made a Top 100 with ease, but you have to start somewhere.
I have the Chainsaw movies, Hellraiser II and The Woman in Black, so I will start with those and see where the time takes me.
I have kind of cheated with the inclusion of some series, but I have an interest in seeing them all and the list would have been rather boring otherwise.
What are the top films that you want to see? I mean older films, films that are already out there in circulation. (I know I put Sinister on the list, but it’s only 1 so I can forgive myself.)
My Muse
I hear a knock at the door, it is gentle, more of a caress. Yet the sound carries through the empty rooms, it invades my deepest dreams and drags me down deeper, past my conscious mind and deep into the place where ideas form. I follow the ever decreasing echo of her arrival, floating through the twisting corridors of my mind, watchful of the swollen bellies of the bats above my head, the offspring of which will form the basis of many ideas in the future. Yet none can hold a candle to the inspiration she brings me.
Many people claim to know their muse, I however, simply know her name; Maggie. I have never met her. I only ever get to hear the fading sound of her laughter as she waltzes away, a lingering tendril of perfume will often hang in the air. I smell Jasmine, and honeysuckle. I breathe it in and at last, I am there.
I stand before a large oak door. Thick iron rivets have been manipulated into place by strong arms, long since gone. The handle is a ring of twisted iron, blackened by the years, and at least twelve inches in diameter, There is an old key in the lock, its body ornately carved from brass… or maybe gold, I can never tell.
I open the door and the sounds of running footsteps and playful giggles rush through the opening, as the playful creatures on the other side run from view. I may never see them, that is the deal… but how they love their games.
With the door open I look down, and there I see it, a little package neatly wrapped and presented, just waiting for me to take it. I scoop down and collect my gift, I whisper my thanks to them, it is the least that I can do.
Rushing back through my mind, I hurtle towards the waking hours that I have come to dread. I carefully open the parcel, eager to see both the wrapping and the contents.
Today it is a head, severed from the body at the base of the neck, which left quite a stump underneath. The eyes are glassed over, but open, the flesh blue and cold. A swollen tongue lolls from the mouth, too large now for the place that it called home. The head had been shaved, or rather, scalped. How they love their games on the other side. The skin was bruised and damaged to make identification impossible. I could not tell if this offering was a man or woman. Then again, it did not matter. The body part they provided me was merely a gift, the inspiration itself was in the wrapping.
Gathering the paper in my eager hands, I left the skull in the same place I left the other body parts, a giant mausoleum in the center of my mind, a place where each part has its place, it is, in essence a trophy cabinet. Mementoes of my success… my dark little secret.
I know that I will open the paper tomorrow and read, more often than not in some side column, about a body discovered, in some vomit filled alleyway. I have conditioned myself over the years not to care, the end results far outweigh the price paid… or do they? Hush, I have no time to reflect. The dawn is approaching and the next phase is about to begin. Hurriedly, I unfurl the papers, smoothing them out on the altar, upon which rests my pen, a bottle of ink and the goblet from which I must drink before I begin.
The blood of the sacrifice flows through the cracks in the paper, it seeps into the fibers and stains it. The words appear before my eyes, and I must commit them to this place, so that when I wake… the light is increasing quicker than normal… something is wrong.
My muse, what have you done to me…
I wake with a start, standing in the middle of my rundown apartment. The house of my dreams is many years ago, a lifetime. Everything from those days have left me, or were driven away by my desire, my passion. I am tired, out of breath. This has never happened before. When my muse visits me, I enter another state after leaving he altar, I wake when it is done, the words transcribed to paper. My manuscript finished.
I look around, I am alone, yet in my hands I wield an iron bar. I have no idea where it came from, but one end is tacky with blood, and there is a clump of matted hair clinging to one corner. My mouth is dry, it should not be like this. I look down at my feet and there I see it. The headless form, floating in a pool of blood, it glistens in the moonlight; black and cold.
I drop the pipe, my hands come up and cover my face. All around me, the walls are filled with words, written in blood. An old-fashioned quill pen, the same one I use at the Altar in my dreams lies on the floor beneath the final word. I lean in closer to read the tiny print. It is but two sentences repeated.
“We live so that we can one day die. Dreams of the heart are eternal.”
What does it mean? Who is this man at my feet. I take a look, and then I understand. The body is me… it wears my clothes, my shoes, the full belly, complete with the strange scar from a childhood operation.
What have I done?
I hear footsteps, murmured voices echoing down a long corridor. The lights go out, the darkness surrounds me, only, I am no longer alone. They are here, playing their games, their faces beaming with joy. That is when I see her for the first time; Maggie, my muse. Her blonde hair, so fair and fine it appears white, her skin flawless, her white dress stained bright red from her evenings endeavors.
She looks at me, and smiles, her arms extend, and in them is the head… my head. I see it now. She hands it to me and in turn I wrap it up and place it on the floor. The footsteps are drawing closer now, the darkness that surrounds me begins to fade, and strangely, my vision worsens as the light grows. I reach out and rap my knuckles on the door to my apartment. The footsteps stop. A hand grabs mind, a child, a young girl no more than seven, with ringlets in her hair and a light covering of freckles on her cheeks smiles at me, her blue eyes sparkle with a mischievous fire. She pulls me away, and off we run. I smile, and laugh, things I had long since forgotten how to do.
Behind us, the door opens, I turn around to see but the scene changes, we are hidden from the world. The spirits dance around me; we smile, and frolic… oh the fun shall have, the games we shall play.
“We live so that we can one day die. Dreams of the heart are eternal.”
October 18, 2012
October 17, 2012
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Well, the car went in for its annual service (MOT / APK) call it what you will, it is a painful, tortuous experience akin to a visit to the proctologist! (Side Note: I have never actually been to a proctologist)
The results came back around mid morning yesterday, and were… shall we say, less the great.
The mechanic reeled off a number of items, many of which I had not expected. He said the hand brake was not trustworthy, which is strange because I use it all the time and have never once had a problem with it. Also, it is an automatic, so you don’t really need to use it that often. So untrustworthy is a rather vague statement, but ok.
The wiring to one of the brake lights was also faulty he claimed, but then the lights work without issue, so not sure how that can be. As he reeled off the list, I understood the price would be an unhappy one. He claims between 550 and 650 Euros, which means at least 700 I daresay, and then I have to add BTW (Dutch tax) onto that, and this delightful little percentage has just risen to 21%. The Dutch proctologists have cold hands if you know what I mean.
So there it is, I have to add-on around 150 extra to the price, and will effectively wipe my bank account clean until payday. That is savings account, ever single liquid asset I have (besides the car that is) will be used to pay for it. I love my car, I need it, and cannot afford another one, especially one with 7 seats, so I don’t mind paying for it. With kids, the car needs to be road safe, but it is still a very unpleasant experience.
It is 12 years old now, and I have had it 2 years, and both years I have had a similar price in repairs. What will happen in 12 months time I cannot say, but hopefully, by the time it rolls around I will have some books sales and royalties that can at least be put to use paying for some of it.
As for the Planes and trains…
I work in the aviation industry for a company that offers software and services for leasing corporations that monitor their contracts, Maintenance, assets and utilisation, facilitates involving and accounting principles, (I know, I know, what a sales pitch).
Trains, well… who doesn’t like riding the train.
October 16, 2012
Leatherface Through the Years
Today I want to take a closer look at Leatherface and see how, over last 38 years he has changed. I mean let’s face it, if you are the only horror villain to never die, in 6 movies, then you have to be doing something right.
Leatherface 1974
Maybe it is just me, but I still think the original Leatherface is the best. There is something about the mask that is better than the others. It is simplistic, basic even, and that fits with the character.
Leatherface 1986
This version is definitely a little more hardcore, the mask has been repaired, or maybe, it is a new one, with the skin of the original victims. Will they get a name in the credits I wonder?
Leatherface 1990
I don’t know, but the hair this time around just doesn’t sit well with me. I would still take the original Leatherface. Ironically my placement has followed the movies in number order. Another thing is the extra bulk in the character. He has been eating a few too many Long-pig pies for my liking. At least he has a new and sparkly chainsaw.
Leatherface 1994
There is something sinister, and I mean utterly diabolic about this Leatherface. Especially the shot above, in the rain. It makes me think of the joker, and I don’t like that. The mask is a step back to the simpler version of the original, but it is not enough to salvage this version.
Leatherface 2003
Now we are into remake territory, and everything is bigger. Better? Not really, but it is a damn enjoyable movie. I liked it, no matter what others say. Nothing beats the original… ever, but this is one of the better remakes. The chainsaw is awesome and Leatherface is a beast. The mask is well done, and creepy enough to place this as my second favorite version.
Leatherface 2006
In the beginning there was no mask. In this installment we see Mr. Face in his naked (facially then) glory. I enjoyed this movie also, and think it adds a nice level to the Chainsaw Saga. Once again. The unfinished mask is a nice touch to a movie that has an unfinished, unrefined killer on the loose.
October 15, 2012
It’s not the cough that finishes you off…
But the Coffin they carried you off in.
Bit of a wild overstatement there, but how often would I have the chance to post that little gem there.
Not really sure why I’m writing this, but it is early, I haven’t slept well, and well… why not.
Last week I started feeling ill, kind of ‘flu’ ill. Luckily it passed in a couple of days, and I pushed on regardless. What it has left me however, is a nasty cough that has not settled firmly on my chest and won’t let me breath without evoking a series of coughs that ignite my chest and by the end of the day could have me breathing fire and terrorizing villages.\
It really annoys me, I hate being sick, I hate being immobile and unable to do my normal things, however if this gets much worse I may have to resort to some form of medication. Which in Holland isn’t really that much of a choice. The selection of medicine and remedies for ailments is shockingly poor. Still, if it works right.
I am off work tomorrow too, because the car has to go in for the yearly MOT. *Cue tears.
God knows what is wrong with it, but I love my car and hope it survives. If needed though I can always head to the doctors. You can’t been in advance anymore, only on the day itself . The wonders of modern appointment organizers and software programs. Progress really is remarkable. Okay, maybe that’s a bit cynical for 5 am.
I’m gonna stop there, I have another post to write that isn’t so filled with woe.
Have a great day and thanks for reading.
An Ode to: Leatherface
I am notorious (in my own mind) for coming up with a regular post idea and never seeing it through. However, this is one I like the sound off, dedicating a week to a specific horror villain. Two or three short posts discussing that villain and what makes him great.
Who better to start with that one of my personal favorite:- Leatherface
Modeled on serial killer Ed Gein, Leatherface was never really explained, not in the 1974 movie (the best of the bunch if you ask me). The one thing that is clear is that family means everything to him, and pleasing them at all costs is what drives him. You could maybe construe that it is actually innocence that makes him the killer he is, and in turns helps turn him into one of the most vicious characters in film history. While we later find out where Leatherface comes from, and see his first kill, the character itself remains a dark mystery. The later movies show his family as being a little more protective of him, but not much. They still use him as their puppet, which only lends credence to the theory that Leatherface himself is also a victim.
When it comes to horror villains, I struggle to think of one whose entrance alone leaves more of an impact than everybody’s favorite in-bred cannibal Mr. Leatherface. 
From the first moment he appears on-screen and calmly caves in Kirk’s skull and patiently allows him to spasm for a while, to the very end, he is a force to be reckoned with. Very few characters could claim to have their legend created and cemented in one scene, even fewer can claim to do so without text, and with but thirty or so seconds of screen time.
While he has been seen in many different guises over the years, the one thing has remained constant, in all the remakes and retellings, Leatherface remains a hulking beast of man who enjoys hacking people up for the fun of it.
Aha, you must be here for the for the assistant job, please, step into my office and we can discuss your qualifications
Leatherface is relentless, goal oriented and willing to go to any lengths necessary in order to please his Daddy… achieve what is required.
Getting down and dirty for a hard day’s work. Nothing like it to build up an appetite.
I don’t think that there are many villains out there who could take on Leatherface and win. In my humble opinion he it tougher, and far scarier than Freddy or Jason, and looking the some of the modern-day horror villains, Hatchet and Chrome-skull just wouldn’t stand a chance against someone like Leatherface, then again, that is a post for a new day.
Come on Bitches, who wants some.
October 14, 2012
The Week Ahead
It has been a while since I made a weekly goal post, but with the arrival of Damon and the whole trying to find a schedule with 4 kids running around did not lead to any real organization of my thoughts, let alone forward planning.
However, the last two weeks have gone very steady with the writing, apart from the weekend just gone, where I didn’t get a single word written. Besides, a couple of thousand on blog posts, but I’m never sure if that should really count. What do you think?
I am currently in-between major projects. My novel, Par for the Course (Par 4: The Course) – I can’t decide on the name layout yet – is done, the first draft at least, and I am going to let it rest until after NaNo. My plan was to edit so of my short stories, I have one collection with Beta readers and two more ready for edits, but then I was struck with inspiration. I’m talking about that, knock you off your feet, it came out of nowhere, wow, kind of inspiration.
Holland does not do Halloween (or bacon, or pop-tarts, can you believe that you cannot buy pop-tarts here!) and so I am penning a short horror story for all my colleagues at work. It will be based around the ‘bugs’ we find in our system and send to the IT to fix. The theory is simple, bugs come to life, blood, guts the standard fare.
I have designed a rough cover already, and my goal is to get the first draft finished by Friday, then to edit over the weekend. I am planning on sending a copy to everybody in the company on October 31st, as my way of keeping Halloween alive in this country. I don’t know how it will be received, or if it will even be read, but I don’t care. I love the story idea, and once it is done, there is actually an anthology open to subs currently that this would fit perfectly in.
Well, that is about it for my plans this week. Okay, I should try to get some short story editing in as well.
So tell me my friends, what are your plans for the week?
