Ten Favorite SOUTHERN GOTHIC Movies
Below is a list of my favorite movies with the theme of Southern Gothic:
TEN FAVORITE SOUTHERN GOTHIC MOVIES
1. "Written on the Wind" (1956) - Douglas Sirk directed this lush adaptation of Robert Wilder's 1945 novel about the damaging effects of a self-indulgent Texas family whose wealth stems from oil. The movie starred Rock Hudson, Lauren Bacall, Robert Stack and Oscar winner Dorothy Malone.
2. "The Beguiled" (1971) - Clint Eastwood starred in this surprisingly effective adaptation of Thomas P. Cullinan's 1966 novel about a Union soldier's stay at a girl's school in 1863 Mississippi. Directed by Don Siegel, the movie co-starred Geraldine Page and Elizabeth Hartman.
3. "Eve's Bayou" (1997) - Samuel L. Jackson, Lynn Whitfield, Jurnee Smollett and Debbie Morgan starred in this excellent tale about the affects of a Louisiana doctor's extramarital affairs upon his family. The movie was written and directed by Kasi Lemmons.
4. "The Long Hot Summer" (1985) - Don Johnson and Judith Ivey starred in this excellent television remake of the 1958 film about an ambitious drifter's experiences with a wealthy Mississippi family. Stuart Cooper directed this two-part television movie.
5. "Interview With the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles" (1994) - Neil Jordan directed this excellent adaptation of Anne Rice's 1976 novel about a former Louisiana planter-turned-vampire, who recalls his past history with a young reporter. Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt starred.
6. "Heaven's Prisoners" (1996) - Alec Baldwin starred in this interesting adaptation of James Lee Burke's 1988 novel about a former New Orleans detective, who investigates the circumstances behind a mysterious plane crash. Directed by Phil Joanou, the movie co-starred Kelly Lynch, Eric Roberts, Teri Hatcher and Mary Stuart Masterson.
7. "The Story of Temple Drake" (1933) - Miriam Hopkins starred in this controversial adaptation of William Faulkner's 1931 novel, "Sanctuary"; which told the story of a young Southern socialite who falls into the hands of a brutal gangster. Stephen Roberts directed.
8. "The Skeleton Key" (2005) - Kate Hudson starred in this atmospheric thriller about a New Orleans hospice, who becomes entangled in a mystery surrounding an old Louisiana plantation manor and Hoodoo rituals. Directed by Iain Sofley, the movie co-starred Gena Rowland, Peter Sarsgaard and John Hurt.
9. "One False Move" (1992) - Bill Paxton and Billy Bob Thornton starred in this fascinating crime thriller about a Arkansas sheriff anticipating the arrival of three violent drug dealers. Directed by Carl Franklin, the movie co-starred Cynda Williams and Michael Beach.
10. "The Long Hot Summer" (1958) - Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward starred in this original adaptation of three William Faulkner novellas about the experiences of an ambitious drifter with a wealthy Mississippi family. The movie was directed by Martin Ritt.