Scare Tactics

Film critics say that you can learn a lot about a society by watching their horror films. Invasion of the Body Snatchers was a clear reflection of Cold War era paranoia presented as a campy blend of sci-fi and horror. George A. Romero's revered Night of the Living Dead has been pointed to as a subversive, politically charged and defining movie of the Vietnam era. And the latest crop of horror movies (Hostel, Saw, etc.) point to a sense of unease about the world around us, with themes of anti-American hostility, apathy and guilt. The beauty of the horror film is that you can read darn near anything into it that you want, or you can just sit back and enjoy the gore if that's your thing. Luckily, Texas Frightmare Weekend has something for the film analysts and the scare-seekers alike during their extravangza of panel discussions, film screenings and celebrity appearances. George A. Romero will be there, as will Sid Haig and Bill Moseley of Rob Zombie's The Devil's Rejects. Speaking of Mr. Zombie, sneak previews of his highly anticipated Halloween remake are promised as part of the festivities. Texas Frightmare Weekend will be held at the Omni Dallas Park West Hotel (1590 LBJ Freeway) from 10 a.m. until midnight Saturday and 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $25 a day, and weekend passes are available. Visit texasfrightmareweekend.com.
Sat., June 23, 10-midnight; Sun., June 24, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.