American Nightmare

Released Sep 11, 2000

1 hr. 15 min.

Documentary

List

67%

6 Reviews

Tomatometer

74%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

Filmmaker Adam Simon examines the history of independent horror films through director interviews and movie clips.

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Keith A

The doc is fantastic. Well made, keeps you on the edge of your seat with a truly shocking reveal.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/22/24

Full Review

Audience Member

This is definitely one of the best horror documentaries I've seen. Not only does it go into horror films but also what inspired them and how they were a reflection of the time they were released. At times it can be disturbing but its always intriguing. From Tom Savini discussing his personal experiences in Vietnam to an exploration of the slasher and so much more. The film is a must see for genre fans. 4.5/5

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Doesnt quite doo too much in order to excell as a documentary, but it does enough to give all this infamous horror movies a social context that does shine some light on why these movies happen and how they affect people.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Is Interesting In Aspects But There Are Better Documentaries Out There

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Essentially just a talking head piece with influencial horror icons giving their 2 cents on why horror is what it is. Much of what is mentioned in the film is standard scholastic material with regards to horror and can be found in any number of books out there. Where the film manages to out perform any previous works is when someone such as Tom Savini can relate horror films to his activities in Vietnam and the real life horrors that clearly affected him. Had the film been about Tom Savini and delved into great depth about him not only would the film have been a completely different beast but it would have been more entertaining and insightful. As it is, The American Nightmare is a been there done that with the occasional piece of nouveau which for a seasoned horror fanatic will seem boring and lack luster. To newcomers the film might just open your eyes to something you've thought of, knew, or considered before and it is to these new fans of the genre that I think this film is geared towards.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

Full Review

Audience Member

As a horror enthusiast & video store proprietor I find myself defending the genre almost on a daily basis. Often on an intellectual level and sometimes to temper the fears of parents who are concerned that their kids being exposed. I've been called "sick" and "immoral" for having a passion for horror and globally there is, of course, a bizarre stigma that comes with the genre. Ironically horror is the oldest form of storytelling known to man. Parents misunderstand it and don't even realise that they feed horror to their kids by way of Roald Dahl, Harry Potter and heap of other stuff. Children's literature is full of horror and there's no better example than the Brother's Grimm. Horror is an important outlet to address fears and stimulate emotions that are too often suppressed. One film I often recommend when defending the genre is The American Nightmare. It delves into horror films from the 70s and 80s and studies their significance and correlation with current events. Experts from various fields (media, psychology, history etc) lend their opinions and insights to make for an eye opening, revealing and intelligent study of the importance of horror. Those of us who are already buffs won't learn a lot from The American Nightmare but its most definitely a useful tool for educating the uneducated.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

Full Review

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Adam Simon

Director

John Carpenter

Self

Carol J. Clover

Self

Wes Craven

Self

David Cronenberg

Self

Tom Gunning

Self

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BBC.com

Rated: 4/5

Feb 6, 2002

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Film Threat

Rated: 1/5

Dec 6, 2005

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Film Threat

Rated: 4/5

Dec 6, 2005

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Brian Mckay

eFilmCritic.com

Although several segments will appeal to horror aficionados, it often feels like a political statement couched in a format that will appeal to the blood and popcorn crowd.

Rated: 3/5

Nov 16, 2003

Full Review

Film Threat

Rated: 4/5

Dec 8, 2002

Full Review

Rob Nelson

City Pages, Minneapolis/St. Paul

We've never had American horror as we did in the decade between Night of the Living Dead and Halloween (1978), no doubt because we've never had American history like that.

Feb 6, 2002

Full Review

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Synopsis

Filmmaker Adam Simon examines the history of independent horror films through director interviews and movie clips.

Director: Adam Simon
Executive Producer: Caroline Kaplan
Screenwriter: Adam Simon
Distributor: New Video Group, Independent Film Channel
Production Co: Minerva Pictures Group
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 11, 2000, Original
Release Date (DVD): Mar 30, 2004
Sound Mix: Dolby SR