Dutch Horror Films
Dutch Horror Films
Just in case there’s any confusion, the word “Dutch” refers to the Netherlands, a country bordering Germany to the east and Belgium to the south. So while our article is titled “Dutch Horror Films,” it could just as well be called “Horror Movies of the Netherlands.”
The Dutch film industry is tiny compared to those of other countries, and almost all movies rely on government funding to get made. But despite this fact, documentaries from the Netherlands have long been prized, and a number of performers--including Rutger Hauer and Famke Janssen--have made a successful transition to Hollywood.
Only a smattering of horror films have been made in the country over the years, but the following list details some of the best. If you can’t afford a trip to Amsterdam (the country’s capital), then these Dutch horror films may be the next best thing to a plate of marijuana brownies.
- The Human Centipede (First Sequence) (2010) - Maverick Dutch filmmaker Tom Six directed this film that was bound to piss off critics and reduce numerous viewers to bouts of dry heaving. Set in Germany, the movie follows deranged surgeon Dr. Heiter (Dieter Laser) as he attempts to fulfill his dream of making a human centipede. This is accomplished by kidnapping a number of tourists--include two pretty American gals and a Japanese male--and joining them mouth to anus. The rest of the film details the frustrated doctor’s attempts to train his new pet, as well as ward off the pesky investigations of a pair of cops. Inspired by the works of David Cronenberg, Six’s outrageous offering drew plenty of controversy upon its release. Film critic Roger Ebert refused to give it any stars, writing, “It is what it is and occupies a world where the stars don’t shine.” Imagine the surprise of the film’s investors--who weren’t told the full details of the plot--when they saw it for the first time. The film’s sequel, The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence), is scheduled for a 2011 release.
- Amsterdamned (1988) - Dutch director Dick Mass makes the first of three appearances on our list, this time with a tense film about a serial killer using the canal system of Amsterdam as his hunting ground. A single-parent police detective is assigned to the case, and he soon teams up with an old pal who happens to be a member of the river police. Meanwhile, the bodies continue to pile up thanks to series of gruesome murders. The plot doesn’t always make the most sense, but there are a number of high-quality action sequences to enjoy.
- The Elevator (1983) - Known as De Lift in the Netherlands, this film about a killer elevator was helmed by Dick Maas. When the elevator attacks prove fatal, a snoopy reporter and an elevator repairman team up to take matters into their own hands. This leads to an investigation regarding experimental microchips, as well as additional attacks on anyone without the sense to take the stairs. Maas would also direct a 2001 remake known as Down (The Shaft on the American DVD market) which starred Naomi Watts, James Marshall, Ron Perlman, and Michael Ironside.
- Sint (2010) - Horror veteran Dick Maas directed this comedy/horror film about Sinterklaas, a popular figure in the Netherlands who’s comparable to Santa Claus. But unlike the jolly old fat man from the North Pole, Saint Niklas is a ghostly madman who returns with his gang of henchmen each year that his holiday (December 5th) coincides with a full moon. Hundreds die during the rampage, and even non-Dutch residents will get a kick out of Sinterklaas and his murderous ways. It’s also nice to see Maas return to the horror genre, his first such movie in nine years.
- The Vanishing (1988) - While some might label this film a thriller, I maintain that it’s quite horrifying in its own way. Rex (Gene Bervoets) and Saskia (Johanna ter Steege) are a Dutch couple enjoying a cycling holiday through France. Then Saskia goes into a convenience store for drinks and never returns. Consumed with a desire to know what happened to his girlfriend, Rex spends the next three years conducting his own investigations. This draws the attention of her abductor (Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu), and a series of flashbacks show us his methodical plan to commit the “ultimate evil.” Even though the antagonist is revealed early on, you’ll be guessing right up until the end credits. Skip the lackluster American remake starring Jeff Bridges, Sandra Bullock, Nancy Travis, and Kiefer Sutherland.
- Slaughter Night (2006) - Also known by the confusing title Sl8n8, this co-production between the Netherlands and Belgium stars scream queen Victoria Koblenko as Kristel, an 18-year-old woman who’s recently lost her father in a car crash. It seems that daddy was doing research on serial killers, and Kristel decides to take on his work by convincing her pals to help her investigate an abandoned mine where child murderer Andries Martins met his end. But when they become trapped in the underground maze, it becomes obvious that the spirit of Martins is still hanging around and looking for fresh victims. While it’s generic in spots, the claustrophobic nature of the setting and Koblenko’s performance help elevate the overall product.
- Two Eyes Staring (2010) - Touted as “the scariest Dutch horror film since The Vanishing,” Two Eyes Staring follows Lisa (Isabelle Stokkel), a nine-year-old with a vivid imagination who lives in a creepy mansion. While constantly reminding her mother of demons from the past, the thoughtful Lisa makes a new friend during playtime in the spooky home‘s darkened corridors. But it turns out her new pal is a ghost, one with a close tie to Lisa’s family. The plotline is nothing new, but the style and execution make this one a recommended rental.
Assuming you watch other film genres, I’d also like to suggest Black Book, an outstanding World War II movie starring Carice van Houten and directed by Paul Verhoeven. Not only is it the most expensive Dutch movie ever made, but it’s also considered the all-time best. Between Black Book and this list of Dutch horror films, you should be set when it comes to European cinema.
This entry was posted on Monday, March 7th, 2011 at 8:50 am and is filed under Horror Movies. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.