Review of The Hills Have Eyes (1977) by Donovan D — 27 Mar 2008
One of the landmark films of the 1970s horror renaissance. The Hills Have Eyes operates upon a similarly grim 'dark soul of humanity' thesis as seen in Wes Craven's debut Last House At The Left.
Even though the earlier film ripped its plot off from the ever-reliable Ingmar Bergman, Craven is even more assured and cogent in his aims, providing the viewer with two opposing family groups on which to hang their fears and sympathies respectively.
Given the remoteness of the setting and desperation of the family under siege, Craven's thesis proves extremely convincing especially given the horrific treatment inflicted upon the family - they really have no choice but to fight back.
Perhaps I'm a bit jaded by have seen far too many films in so few years, but for the most part I don't find horror films particularly horrifying. The Hills Have Eyes on the other hand is genuinely scary horror film that remains so long after most of its competitors have become little more than grindhouse fare.
Recommended viewing.
This review of The Hills Have Eyes (1977) was written by Donovan D on 27 Mar 2008.
The Hills Have Eyes has generally received positive reviews.
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