It sounds cliché but Black Christmas was probably too ahead of its time, too creepy frightening for 1974. Before it there was Gothic horror then Giallo who allowed distanciation. Here we are at the next step, with a realistic and contemporary setting that would cater to a wider audience.
I don't remember Halloween was so frightening and hell is it obvious how much John Carpenter was inspired by Bob Clark work here. Wes Craven took the time to find the right balance in the decade before Elm Street and eventually with his tongue in cheek he brought the slasher at its ultimate level of popularity. Todaybatvotjer end of the spectrum there is exploitation creep/gruesome ala Saw, Hostel... but frightening, realistically gut-wrenching no more.
Black Christmas could have been perfect, unfortunately the ending looks like they didn't think hard enough to make it sensational.
I don't remember Halloween was so frightening and hell is it obvious how much John Carpenter was inspired by Bob Clark work here. Wes Craven took the time to find the right balance in the decade before Elm Street and eventually with his tongue in cheek he brought the slasher at its ultimate level of popularity. Todaybatvotjer end of the spectrum there is exploitation creep/gruesome ala Saw, Hostel... but frightening, realistically gut-wrenching no more.
Black Christmas could have been perfect, unfortunately the ending looks like they didn't think hard enough to make it sensational.