Rue Morgue Issue#87 Sneak Peek: Martyrs

Jovanka Vuckovic · #1 02-25-2009, 12:30 PM

ON STANDS MARCH 1st! With an all-new look on the inside!

THE CULT OF SUFFERING
The French New Wave of Horror continues to shower us in gore with one of the cruelest modern genre movies – Pascal Laugier's religious-themed torture porn vehicle Martyrs. In interviews with the director and its star Morjana Alaoui, Rue Morgue examines the controversial film.
by Kier-La Janisse and Jason Lapeyre

DIVINITY IN DARKNESS: THE RISE OF CHRISTIAN HORROR
Proving that there's something for everyone in the genre, Christian horror is thriving, delivering fears to the faithful and – surprisingly – nightmares to non-believers, as well.
by Lea Lawrynowicz and Sean Plummer

THE GIANT SPIDER, THE CANDYMAKER AND THE WOLF WITH HANDS
Photographer Joshua Hoffine captures moments of paralyzing childhood fear with his unusual series of fairy tale-inspired horror images.
by Jovanka Vuckovic

MASTER OF HORROR, REMASTERED
Richard Matheson is celebrated in a new tribute anthology featuring horror's top scribes, as well as two volumes of rare, previously uncollected works.
by Joseph O'Brien and Paul Corupe

TERMS OF ENDANGERMENT
Welcome to Pontypool, Ontario, a town in the grip of a word-borne virus, where simply talking affectionately can turn you in to a bloodthirsty maniac.
by Dave Alexander

DEPARTMENTS:
NOTE FROM UNDERGROUND
Martyrs.

DREADLINES
Canadian vampire comedy scores A-list rock star cast; Adam Green kicks off a slew of new film projects with Grace; Ontario gallery hosts death and mourning exhibit.

THE CORONER'S REPORT
Weird stats and morbid facts. Sick Top Six Subway Psychos.

NEEDFUL THINGS
Anatomy Prints, Remote Control Zombie, Garlic Mints, Razor Blade Bracelet.

CINEMACABRE
CineMacabre presents Fearsome Faces, reviews of two new DVD documentaries that delve into the world of Special EFX Makeup – Fantastic Flesh and Kreating Karloff. Reviews of My Bloody Valentine 3-D, The Unborn, Just Buried, Pulse 3, Metalocalypse Season 2, The Grudge 3, Remembering Don Dohler: Blood, Boobs & Beast, Baghead, Wild Country, Demon Sex, Blood Scarab and The Frightening.
Reissues reviews 42nd Street Forever Vol 4: Cooled By Refrigeration, Chamber of Horrors (1966), The Brides of Fu Manchu (1966), Madhouse (1981) and In the Folds of the Flesh (1970).

CINEMARQUEE
The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (1927).

BOWEN'S BASEMENT
Spotlight: The Swarm.

BLOOD IN FOUR COLOURS
Features Demon Squad. Plus reviews of The Bomb, Netherworld #1, The Lagoon, The Fantastic Worlds of Frazetta and Hexed #1 (0f 4).

THE NINTH CIRCLE
Spotlight: John Skipp and Cody Goodfellow's Jake's Wake. Plus, reviews of Bram Stoker's Notes for Dracula: A Facsimile Edition, Zombie Movies: The Ultimate Guide, John Landis, David Moody's Hater, Lore of the Ghost and Mark Samuels' Glyphotech and Other Macabre Processes.

TRAVELOGUE OF TERROR
Sleepy Hollow, New York.

THE GORE-MET
Menu: The Last House on the Left.

AUDIO DROME
Spotlight: Creeping Cruds.
Plus! Reviews of Let the Right One In OST, Rogue OST, Prince of Darkness OST, Nightmare Revisited, Fredrik Klingwall, 7 Killings in 2 Weeks, Zombina and the Skeletones, The Matadors, October Rising, Lordi, The Lurking Corpses and The wHORROR.

PLAY DEAD
Call of Cthulhu: The Card Game, Little Red Riding Hood's Zombie BBQ and Onechanbara: Bikini Samurai Squad.

CLASSIC CUT
Kenji Mizoguchi's Ugetsu (1953).

GIVEAWAYS THIS ISSUE!
20 new subscribers will win a free horror t-shirt from Fright Rags! (Winners can choose from four different designs.)

Jesus Was A Robot · #2 02-25-2009, 12:39 PM

Awesome, awesome, awesome!!! I can't wait to read this issue! It seems like it's been too long. Really curious about the new look on the inside too. I loved the old look, but am open to change. Thanks for posting this!

Mr. Monster · #3 02-25-2009, 01:04 PM

Is Gore-met's piece on the original or the remake?

Jovanka Vuckovic · #4 02-25-2009, 01:10 PM

Original reissued with revealing new extras.

KISS Fan · #5 02-25-2009, 01:39 PM

Sweet. I can't wait to get this.

Melo · #6 02-25-2009, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Monster

Is Gore-met's piece on the original or the remake?

lol

machine gun etiquette · #7 02-25-2009, 02:26 PM

Looks great, can't wait. The Matheson article sounds interesting.

killer_meatballs · #8 02-25-2009, 03:34 PM

Can not freaking wait! Like Robot said, seems like way too long since last issue!

meli4649 · #9 02-25-2009, 03:56 PM

Yes! Been waiting for this preview for what seemed like FOR-EV-ER

Just got a subscription for christmas and am super stoked to get my first issue in the mail. Are individual issue sent out same time as retailer issues?

I'll be counting down the minutes

Rancidfilms · #10 02-25-2009, 04:11 PM

I'm so excited I think I just wee-ed a little... at least, I hope it was wee.

Dark Mark · #11 02-25-2009, 04:25 PM

Well worth the wait by the looks of things, though I have managed to maintain bladder control....on this occasion

Kreepylady · #12 02-25-2009, 05:15 PM

Woohoo! Our patient wait is over.

I haven't seen Martyrs, so I might have to skip that article until I do...wanna keep the element of surprise.

The Melting Facade · #13 02-25-2009, 05:28 PM

Nice, I can't wait to see what's been retooled between the covers.

Asmodeus · #14 02-25-2009, 07:42 PM

Finally a new Rue issue. I've been reading shit the past month.

she_thing · #15 02-25-2009, 07:54 PM

I seriously don't know how your design team can improve how awesome Rue looks month to month. You just nail the subject matter perfectly.

Will definitely take a peek when it hits the NY stands...

Sounds like an interesting issue content-wise too.

John W. Bowen · #16 02-25-2009, 08:42 PM

And just wait till you see the hate mail I get in this one! Woo-hoo! All other content in this issue positively pales in comparison.

RonnieMick · #17 02-25-2009, 09:28 PM

Dying to see the redesign ( can't see how it could improve) and I'm curious to see what the word is on HATER. Very tempted to pick that one up, so the review will certainly help.
Oh, and John? Fuck 'em, I like your column!

Ron

Greg B. · #18 02-25-2009, 09:46 PM

I look forward to checking out Martyrs and what the hell is up with "Christian Horror"? Ponderous!

Coughcool · #19 02-25-2009, 11:06 PM

Looks Great !!!

John W. Bowen · #20 02-25-2009, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonnieMick

Dying to see the redesign ( can't see how it could improve) and I'm curious to see what the word is on HATER. Very tempted to pick that one up, so the review will certainly help.
Oh, and John? Fuck 'em, I like your column!

Ron

Most generous of you, Ron.

Killah Tomater · #21 02-26-2009, 12:35 AM

Looks like another great issue from cover to cover. I'm in the middle of Jake's Wake, so I'll be interested in reading that review.

Ash29 · #22 02-26-2009, 09:03 AM

Great looking cover but did you really need to undermine it with the term "Torture Porn"? Almost makes me want to boycott this issue.

Also what is the significance of the cross overlapping the girls? Martyrs tackles more philosophically spiritual themes (and I don't even want to use that term because the captors were basically atheists) than religious ones and it's definitely not a christian film. Even Pascal Laugier said it wasn't a religious film.

scottra · #23 02-26-2009, 09:57 AM

Looks like a great issue, can't wait to see what treats await on the inside.

And as a Christian and a horror maniac, I'm really looking forward to the article on Christian Horror.

Hopefully the horror community can start to see that we aren't all ultra conservative douche bags...

Some of us are just plain ole douche bags like the rest of you!

HammerHorrorFan · #24 02-26-2009, 10:42 AM

Looking forward to the issue, especially the articles on The Lodger and The Swarm. Also anxious to see what the new interior design will look like!

Clayton_George · #25 02-26-2009, 11:33 AM

...hmmm......Xtian horror. This could be one of those "hold your nose and ,maybe, learn something" moments for me. Pretty much all organized religion is donkey dung to me, praise "Bob".

Killah Tomater · #26 02-26-2009, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clayton_George

...hmmm......Xtian horror. This could be one of those "hold your nose and ,maybe, learn something" moments for me. Pretty much all organized religion is donkey dung to me, praise "Bob".

Me 'n' Cthulhu will remember you said that...

I'm interested in the Christian Horror article simply because, when I read that preview blurb, a flood of preconceived notions hit my brain. I was raised Roman Catholic, but have long since stopped practicing, and - thanks to our last President, Mancow, and far too many people who've used the word "Christian" as their cover to indulge in whatever unacceptable behavior they choose - don't have a high initial opinion of anything that has "Christian" tacked onto it. Not to say I dislike Christians, but I have to cop to prejudices associated with the term. Hopefully, this article will be as educational and eye-opening as so many past articles have been.

Jovanka Vuckovic · #27 02-26-2009, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ash29

Great looking cover but did you really need to undermine it with the term "Torture Porn"? Almost makes me want to boycott this issue.

Also what is the significance of the cross overlapping the girls? Martyrs tackles more philosophically spiritual themes (and I don't even want to use that term because the captors were basically atheists)

... who are hoping to catch a glimpse of the divine in order to prove the existence of an afterlife. Pascal is specifically using martyrdom in the religious sense here. *spoiler* Have you forgotten the scene where Anna is crucified? Afterward, she is referred to as "a saint." If that's not a religious theme, then The Gore-met is The Pope.

As for "transcendent torture porn," well, a spade's a spade...

jaysaw · #28 02-26-2009, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John W. Bowen

And just wait till you see the hate mail I get in this one! Woo-hoo! All other content in this issue positively pales in comparison.

Why in the name of all that is holy and john carpenter would people send you hate mail?!

You column is a great fun read. I thought no-one could make me laugh as much as alexander's one, but you have suceeded.

To me the end bit of martyrs looked like he had nailed 'hellraiser' before his name was even attached?!

Looks a cool issue. not a martyrs fan, but i bet there always something in the articles you do on films i don't like that peaks my interest.

can't wait to read more on adam green's projects. saw GRACE at the weekend and met paul solet. totally awesome film!

raising the bar as always guys.

Ash29 · #29 02-26-2009, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jovanka Vuckovic

... who are hoping to catch a glimpse of the divine in order to prove the existence of an afterlife. Pascal is specifically using martyrdom in the religious sense here. *spoiler* Have you forgotten the scene where Anna is crucified? Afterward, she is referred to as "a saint." If that's not a religious theme, then The Gore-met is The Pope.
...

We'll have to agree to disagree on whether or not horror fans should ever use that degrading term or adopt it as their own.

At one of the Toronto film fest screenings A lady asked Pascal; The film is called Martyrs but I didn't get any religious overtones non of the girls were praying or asking for forgiveness..

And he replied saying it's not a religious film. The Evil lady in the film doesn't believe in any God or any religion. They just want to know what happens when you die as they think there possibly could be something.

They basically treated the girls as guinea pigs in their twisted experiment.

I agree there are religious parallels you can draw from that but does it warrant a christian cross as the central focus of the cover?

Hey I'm a big of yours Jovanka and of the magazine. I just think you guys could of thought this cover though a little more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltH45429LOk

The Gore-met · #30 02-26-2009, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ash29

We'll have to agree to disagree on whether or not horror fans should ever use that degrading term or adopt it as there own.

Personally, I think it's an apt and valid descriptor. It is degrading to some of the base films it's attributed to - think Eli Roth or Rob Zombie - because those films degrade the genre. They appeal to prurient interest only and do nothing to make our case that horror can be art. I'm not suggesting that every work of horror needs to have artistic underpinnings by any means, but this shit reflects poorly on us all. Plus, they suck.

Ash29 · #31 02-26-2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Gore-met

Personally, I think it's an apt and valid descriptor. It is degrading to some of the base films it's attributed to - think Eli Roth or Rob Zombie - because those films degrade the genre. They appeal to prurient interest only and do nothing to make our case that horror can be art. I'm not suggesting that every work of horror needs to have artistic underpinnings by any means, but this shit reflects poorly on us all. Plus, they suck.

Whether or not you agree with the description, which I don't, is beside the point. Fact is people like Bill O'Reilly and other conservative horror hating journalist buy into this term. They use it as just another propaganda tool to degrade the genre we love and us fans. So why would you promote it yourself?
Every film you mention is not just a reason to show the next torture scene. Most of them show little torture as relative to the content of the film. Most of the time you don't see any until about an hour in. They also have a story, action and satisfactory acting. Which is unlike any porno I've ever scene. Possibly the August Underground films would match your definition more closely but I never hear anyone calling them "Torture Porn".

Whether or not you love or hate Zombie and Roth. You can't deny their passion for the genre. They promote it any chance they get. This is unlike most directors hollywood cherry picks to do horror films. Most of them don't even like the genre. That alone gets these two guys my support.

Jason Allen · #32 02-26-2009, 08:33 PM

I need to renew my subscription.

brotherhoodoflife · #33 02-26-2009, 10:08 PM

Nice looking cover gary,

can't wait to read this issue.

Ghoulish Gary Pullin · #34 02-26-2009, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brotherhoodoflife

Nice looking cover gary,

can't wait to read this issue.

Thank your Brotherhood, but props have to go to Justin this month for the beautiful design!

brotherhoodoflife · #35 02-26-2009, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Gary Pullin

Thank your Brotherhood, but props have to go to Justin this month for the beautiful design!

Okay, nice work Justin.

bigmac64 · #36 02-27-2009, 02:49 AM

Ah, the drought is over. Can't wait until it's in my hands. Looks like another great issue. And I can't wait to see the new layout.

Shredi Knight · #37 02-27-2009, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jovanka Vuckovic

If that's not a religious theme, then The Gore-met is The Pope.

Okay, wait...the Gore-met isn't the Pope? Well, fuck Catholicism, I'm going Jewish.

Moon Panda · #38 02-27-2009, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brotherhoodoflife

Nice looking cover gary,

can't wait to read this issue.

eh? I don't see the cover anywhere in this thread. I was wondering why Jovanka's first post didn't contain the cover.

Are you all seeing it on this page?

Nallix · #39 02-27-2009, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moon Panda

eh? I don't see the cover anywhere in this thread. I was wondering why Jovanka's first post didn't contain the cover.

Are you all seeing it on this page?

Yes. It's the very first thing in Jovanka's post.

Moon Panda · #40 02-27-2009, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nallix

Yes. It's the very first thing in Jovanka's post.

Hmmm... that's funny. Never had trouble seeing pics before. Will just take a look at home on my trusty Mac. Thanks Nallix.

77eyes · #41 02-28-2009, 05:00 PM

beautiful cover , but christian horror ? wow just when i thought i have seen it all.

fergisimo · #42 03-01-2009, 07:30 PM

Looking forward to this. Hope I don't have to wait 'til the end of the month.

John W. Bowen · #43 03-02-2009, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Allen

I need to renew my subscription.

Then by all means do so, but don't EVER change that avatar!

(Did you make that one yourself? Fucking priceless.)

Nonsense · #44 03-02-2009, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ash29

Great looking cover but did you really need to undermine it with the term "Torture Porn"? Almost makes me want to boycott this issue.

I don't know about any boycott, but I had hoped that term would have been well buried by now. It's still shorter than "I didn't like this movie", so it stays until a better phrase comes along.

Spook E. Bangs · #45 03-02-2009, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John W. Bowen

And just wait till you see the hate mail I get in this one! Woo-hoo! All other content in this issue positively pales in comparison.

Just for the record, I enjoy your column each month. I can't say I always agree with you on some of your reviews, but that's what makes Rue Morgue great. Diversity in opinion. Keep up the good work Bowen.

fergisimo · #46 03-02-2009, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spook E. Bangs

Just for the record, I enjoy your column each month. I can't say I always agree with you on some of your reviews, but that's what makes Rue Morgue great. Diversity in opinion. Keep up the good work Bowen.

No doubt. Great column, Bowen. You've fueled my need to see Invasion of the Blood Farmers!!

Justin Erickson · #47 03-03-2009, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brotherhoodoflife

Okay, nice work Justin.

Thank you!

Clayton_George · #48 03-03-2009, 11:47 AM

...just hoping that the storms are over by the time the issue arrives; I'd hate to see the envelope soaked and the fine paper ruined...

kirkyb619 · #49 03-04-2009, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clayton_George

...just hoping that the storms are over by the time the issue arrives; I'd hate to see the envelope soaked and the fine paper ruined...

Unfortunately that's why I get mine at the news stand ......The postman just crams everything in.

I likes a nice clean, flat, perfect copy for my collection.

Dark Mark · #50 03-05-2009, 12:46 AM

Just got mine, I too am intrigued by what exactly is Christian horror. Previously I thought it was the look on my in-laws faces when they first saw my collection

I love Joshua Hoffine's photographs.