Watch Nightmares in Red, White, and Blue

Nightmares in Red, White, and Blue is a fascinating documentary about the evolution of horror films in American cinema. In this film, director Andrew Monument explores how horror movies have reflected social and cultural anxieties of their respective eras, and how they have shaped our collective nightmares. The documentary features interviews with prominent directors, writers, and actors who have contributed to the horror genre, including John Carpenter, George A. Romero, Wes Craven, and Roger Corman, among others. It also showcases clips from numerous horror films, ranging from the early 1900s to the present day.

One of the central themes in Nightmares in Red, White, and Blue is how horror films have mirrored and influenced the political and social contexts of their time. For example, the film argues that films like Night of the Living Dead (1968) and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) addressed the anxieties of the Vietnam War and Watergate era, while modern horror films like The Purge franchise (2013-2018) comment on our current politics of fear and division.

The documentary also explores how horror films have often been dismissed or discredited as low-brow entertainment, but have nonetheless had a significant impact on both popular culture and cinema. Monument argues that horror films are often more subversive and thought-provoking than they are given credit for, and that they have influenced directors in a variety of genres, from Martin Scorsese to Steven Spielberg.

Nightmares in Red, White, and Blue features many fascinating stories and insights from the filmmakers themselves, including how some of these horror classics were made on shoestring budgets, or how they have been misunderstood or even banned in different parts of the world. For example, director Joe Dante discusses the censorship battles he faced with Gremlins (1984) and the satire that the film was meant to convey.

Overall, Nightmares in Red, White, and Blue is a compelling and enlightening documentary that explores the cultural importance and artistic value of horror films in American cinema. It is a must-watch for horror fans and cinephiles alike, as it provides a comprehensive and insightful overview of the history and impact of one of the most enduring and beloved genres of film.

Nightmares in Red, White, and Blue is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.