By Melissa Antoinette Garza
Without question, the original Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) is one of the greatest horror movies of all time. There are so many reasons why the movie is fantastic. One cannot deny the atmosphere of the opening scene, or the captivating dialogue between the protagonist Nancy (Heather Lagenkamp) and her father (John Saxon). The viewer is instantly grabbed by the sincere and superb acting and the fear that it invokes from scene one. Nightmare on Elm Street created incredible and unforgettable scenes that stay with the audience long after the credits roll. Here are just a few of my favorite scenes from this amazing film.
5) The Death of Glen: Nightmare on Elm Street introduced us to a fresh-faced unknown actor named Johnny Depp. Over the years, Depp has done many different roles and has made quite a name for himself as an A list celebrity. Still, whenever someone says his name I envision him being sucked into his bed and a fountain of blood shooting up and covering the ceiling and walls.
4) Tina’s First Nightmare: In the first few moments of the film, the audience sees Tina (Amanda Wyss) being chased by Freddy (Robert Englund). In one sequence, his arms stretch out to a very long length and he hunches over as he chases her. It is both horrifying and intense. The scene is perfect as it not only terrifies the audience but informs them of how frighteningly evil and powerful the villain is.
3) Death of Nancy’s Mother: Marge Thompson (Ronee Blakely) was a sad character that easily invoked sympathy. She was an alcoholic who loved her daughter but repeatedly expressed it in the wrong way. Nonetheless, the mother and daughter bond is a strong one and when Marge’s skeleton is revealed and slowly disappears into the bed, one can’t help but feel sorry for Nancy. It’s a sad scene as it leaves the audience feeling as though the protagonist will never be able to reconnect with her mother.
2) Freddy Krueger Revealed: There is something fantastic about hearing the history of a villain. The only comparable moment in horror history is when Mrs. Voorhees (Betsy Palmer) insanely discloses the story of her son Jason in Friday the 13th (1980). Still, Nightmare on Elm Street is a superior film and the tale that Marge reveals to Nancy is compelling, well written, and wonderfully delivered. Every time I watch Marge telling Nancy that she does know Freddy and that he was a child murderer who the townspeople burned alive, I get chills. It’s one of the greatest moments in cinematic history.
1) Nancy Fights Back: I love it when a female protagonist uses her intelligence to outwit the villain. Rather than brute force, Nancy reads a book about booby traps and sets them up throughout the home. When Freddy falls into her traps, it makes for a great watch. Though just a teenager, Nancy was such a smart and strong woman that made for a tough component against Freddy. The fight scene is wonderful, funny, and exciting all at the same time.
The original Nightmare on Elm Street is by far the best of the series. It’s impossible to recreate something where all the components for a great film came together so beautifully. It was so well cast. John Saxon was perfect as Lt. Donald Thompson. He captivated the audience with every word he spoke. There wasn’t a flaw in the film.
I can’t imagine a true horror fan that doesn’t have this movie in their collection. It’s the crème of the crop. So many have tried to emulate and mimic the movie but none could duplicate it. It’s one of a kind. It’s a movie I never get tired of and always looked forward to watching.
About the Release:
“Don’t fall asleep” — words to live by for Elm Street teens. Not a problem for fans wide awake with fear (and glee) as they experience these 7 Nightmare movies released from 1984 to 2003. Each features Robert Englund’s masterfully macabre incarnation of slouch-hatted, razor-fingered Freddy Krueger, who mixes wicked wit with even wickeder mayhem as he haunts teens when they’re asleep and most vulnerable. A newspaper article about children who died after having fearsome nightmares provided the real-life springboard for filmmaker Wes Craven’s breakthrough series. Perhaps that underlying reality helps make these shockers so unnerving. Or maybe it’s just that we all like a good scare…and that this series consistently, imaginatively delivers some of the best.
All original Nightmares on 5 discs. Plus the new featurette – The Tales and Crimes of Freddy Krueger
