Kim Newman

Kim Newman

Birth : 1959-07-31, London, England, USA

History

English journalist, film critic, and fiction writer. Recurring interests visible in his work include film history and horror fiction—both of which he attributes to seeing Tod Browning's Dracula at the age of eleven—and alternate fictional versions of history. He has won the Bram Stoker Award, the International Horror Guild Award, and the BSFA award.

Profile

Kim Newman

Movies

Marauders from the Mediterranean: The Macabre Magic of the Spanish Zombie Film
Self
A feature-length documentary exploring the history of the Spanish zombie film.
The Young General: Reflections on Michael Reeves
Self
A revealing insight into the short life and times of Michael Reeves.
Attack of the Hollywood Clichés!
Self - Film Critic and Writer
Movie stars and members of the film industry make fun of several narrative and visual clichés that are as shocking and aesthetic as they are often truly ridiculous.
Censor
Executive Producer
Film censor Enid takes pride in her meticulous work, guarding unsuspecting audiences from the deleterious effects of watching the gore-filled movies she pores over. Her sense of duty to protect is amplified by guilt over her inability to recall details of the long-ago disappearance of her sister. When Enid is assigned to review a disturbing film from the archive that echoes her hazy childhood memories, she begins to unravel how this eerie work might be tied to her past.
A Place Among the Dead
KN
An exploration of our cultural obsession with vampires and what they reveal about the human psyche.
Tales of the Uncanny
Self (voice)
David Gregory and Kier-La Janisse take a detailed look at the history of horror anthology films with the help of more than sixty writers, genre specialists, and members of the film industry.
Jorge Grau: Catalonia's Cult Film King
self
This is the first and only feature-length documentary on the life and cinema of the late Jorge Grau, who is most famous for his classic social-political horror masterpiece "Living Dead at Manchester Morgue" (1974), seen by some critics as a fierce critique of the Franco government albeit set in a displaced foreign locale.
The Emmanuelle Effect
Self
The very first feature-length discussion and breakdown of the entire "Emmanuelle" phenomenon - the atmosphere in Europe that led to the production of the original and its subsequent impact across the continent and indeed the world.
From Rollerball to Rome - Reflection on a Sci-Fi Classic
Produced for the "ultimate edition" of "Rollerball" from Capelight Pictures in Germany, 2020. The Blu-Ray of the original 1975 classic comes packed with this fascinating 85-minute documentary that charts the influence of "Rollerball" on contemporary scifi cinema, including "Mad Max", "The Warriors" and "Escape from New York", as well as the Italian variant that struck the big time with motion picture successes such as "The Bronx Warriors" franchise, "The New Barbarians" and the wonderfully trashy "Endgame".
Into Lonely Water
Self
A series of interviews about the cult Public Information Film "The Spirit of Dark and Lonely Water"
Tactics: Reflections on a Seventies Horror Classic
Newman covers a lot of ground in under a half hour, including Let's Scare Jessica to Death's connections to Hammer Horror, vampire movies in the Seventies (which is a genre he claims experienced an "enormous boom" during that era), and much more.
Fascism on a Thread: The Strange Story of Nazisploitation Cinema
Self - Author / Critic
Feature length documentary on the cult sub-genre featuring interviews with Dyanne ‘Ilsa’ Thorne, Malissa ‘Elsa’ Longo, filmmakers Sergio Garrone, Mariano Caiano, Rino Di Silvestro, Liliana Cavani, Bruno Mattei, and many more.
Last Man Standing
The critic Kim Newman discussing ‘The End of the World Through the Years’. Newman covers the modern fascination with doomsday scenarios, beginning with Mary Shelley’s lesser-known novel The Last Man novel, and how such stories evolved to entertain audiences of various eras.
Kim Newman on the Ranown Cycle
An analysis by the critic and author of Wild West Movies.
Kim Newman on The Bloodthirsty Trilogy
Offers some nice background on Japanese horror in general and this trilogy in particular, delivered with Newman's typical enthusiasm and humor.
Yellow Fever: The Rise and Fall of the Giallo
Himself
Feature-length in-depth documentary by High Rising Productions chronicling the Giallo film genre from its beginnings as early 20th century crime fiction, to its later influences on the modern slasher film genre. Featuring interviews with Dario Argento, Umberto Lenzi, Luigi Cozzi, Richard Stanley, and more.
Release the Hound!
Himself
Documentary on the making of Hammer's adaptation of "The Hound of the Baskervilles".
VHS Forever?: Psychotronic People
Himself
A feature length documentary shot over 9 months taking a look at the explosion of movies that became available on VHS in the UK.
Video Nasties: Draconian Days
Self
The highly anticipated follow-up to their critically acclaimed VIDEO NASTIES: MORAL PANIC, CENSORSHIP & VIDEOTAPE documentary, director Jake West and producer Marc Morris continue uncovering the shocking story of home entertainment post the 1984 Video Recordings Act. A time when Britain plunged into a new Dark Age of the most restrictive censorship, where the horror movie became the bloody eviscerated victim of continuing dread created by self-aggrandizing moral guardians. With passionate and entertaining interviews from the people who lived through it and more jaw dropping archive footage, get ready to reflect and rejoice the passing of a landmark era.
Video Nasties - Draconian Days - The Section 3 List M-Z
Himself
The focus is on the eighty-two Section 3 titles, those advised by the DPP not to be obscene, but still known to have been seized. After a short introduction, each film is discussed in turn by an expert, followed by the film's trailer.
Video Nasties - Draconian Days - The Section 3 List A-L
Himself
The focus is on the eighty-two Section 3 titles, those advised by the DPP not to be obscene, but still known to have been seized. After a short introduction, each film is discussed in turn by an expert, followed by the film's trailer.
Remembering 'Dead of Night'
Retrospective documentary on the British horror anthology classic Dead of Night (1945).
The Trail of Dracula
Self
Diabolical. Seductive. Immortal. Vampires have been an icon of evil in folklore and popular culture for more than three centuries, yet only one name still personifies the ultimate aristocrat of bloodlust. Now join the world’s foremost experts on Dracula – including academics, authors and horror historians – as they explore the untold story of the Transylvanian Count, from the legend of Vlad The Impaler and Bram Stoker’s celebrated novel through its landmark stage productions and classic movie adaptations.
From Romero to Rome: The Rise and Fall of the Italian Zombie Movie
Himself
The history of Italian zombie cinema, beginning with the breakout worldwide influence and success of George Romero's Night of the Living Dead and continuing through to Lucio Fulci's trend-setting Zombie Flesh-Eaters (Zombi 2) and its many imitators.
Ghostwatch: Behind the Curtains
Himself
Two decades after its unprecedented television broadcast, the cast, crew and fans of the notorious BBC 'Halloween Hoax' Ghostwatch look back at the show's unique production and legendary aftermath in this brand-new retrospective documentary. Includes never-before-seen material and interviews!
Fear Himself: The Life and Crimes of Freddy Krueger
Himself
Retrospective on The Nightmare On Elm Street Series.
Dear Censor… The secret archive of the British Board of Film Classification
Lifting the lid on the world of cinema censorship, this programme has unique access to the files of the British Board of Film Classification. Featuring explicit and detailed exchanges between the censor and film-makers, 'Dear Censor' casts a wry eye over some of the most infamous cases in the history of the board. From the now seemingly innocuous Rebel Without a Cause, the first 'naturist' films and the infamous works of Ken Russell, and up to Rambo III, this frank and surprisingly warm documentary demonstrates how a body created by the industry to safeguard standards and reflect shifts in public opinion has also worked unexpectedly closely with the film-makers themselves to ensure that their work was able reach an audience.
Heavenly Creatures: Looking Back
Film critic Kim Newman, Total Film news editor Rosie Fletcher, and film critic Alan Jones discuss Heavenly Creatures and the story the film chronicles, as well as Peter Jackson and his legacy.
Video Nasties - The Definitive Guide - The Dropped 33
Himself
Every Video Nasty from the DPP list of dropped 33 titles is critiqued and explored, followed by the original trailers.
Video Nasties - The Definitive Guide - The Final 39
Himself
Every Video Nasty from the DPP list of 39 is critiqued and explored, followed by the original trailers.
Video Nasties: Moral Panic, Censorship & Videotape
Himself
A documentary analyzing the furore which so-called "video nasties" caused in Britain during the 1980s.
Pure in Heart: The Life and Legacy of Lon Chaney, Jr.
Self
A short documentary about the classic Universal Monster actor, Lon Chaney, Jr.
Kim Newman's Guide to the Flipside of British Cinema
Himself
Film critic Kim Newman introduces a new series of DVDs and Blu-ray disc releases by BFI showcasing little known British films.
The Greatest Ever 3D Moments
Self
A countdown of the top 10 3D moments in film, television and pop music from the last 50 years.
Übermensch
Writer
What will it take to become a hero?
Masters of Magic: The World of Chandu
Self
Public Enemies: The Golden Age of the Gangster Film
Self
Produced for Turner Classic Movies, this documentary looks at the early days of the gangster film.
Mel Blanc: The Man of a Thousand Voices
Himself
The life and career of the renowned voice actor of animation and radio. For generations, Mel Blanc was one of the most famous Hollywood voice actors with his myriad of voices for classic animated characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and scores of others. However, animation was only one of the fields where Blanc shone through in his long career. This film covers the life of this amazingly talented and big hearted actor, comedian and musician as he became one of the performing greats from the golden ages of American animation and radio through to the 1980s.
Horror’s Missing Link: Rediscovering Dr. Renault’s Secret
Self
Filmmakers and historians discuss the 1942 cult classic Dr. Renault’s Secret.
A House of Secrets: Exploring 'Dragonwyck'
Self
A documentary about the making of the movie "Dragonwyck"
He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce
Self
Tribute to Universal make-up artist Jack Pierce who created some of the studio's most famous works including Frankenstein's Monster, the Wolf Man, the Mummy and countless other creatures. Rick Baker, Tom Savini, Howard Berger, Bob Burns, Scott Essman, Kim Newman, Gregory Nicotero and others discuss the work of Pierce and his enduring legacy.
The Tragic Mask: The Laird Cregar Story
Self
A biography of the short-lived character actor Laird Cregar.
Concerto Macabre: The Films of John Brahm
Self
A look at the life and films of the expressionistic movie and television director John Brahm.
Man In the Attic: The Making of
Self
This short documentary takes a look at the making of Twentieth Century Fox's 1944 film "The Lodger".
Lugosi: The Dark Prince
Self
Film historians, and producer Richard Gordon, talk about the horror movie career of cult star Bela Lugosi.
Shadows of Suspense
Self
A documentary featuring film historians, directors and authors discussing the making of Billy Wilder's "Double Indemnity."
Film Noir: Bringing Darkness to Light
Self
Film Noir burrows into the mind; it's disorienting, intriguing and enthralling. Noir brings us into a gritty underworld of lush morbidity, providing intimate peeks at its tough, scheming dames, mischievous misfits and flawed men - all caught in the wicked web of a twisted fate.
Karloff: The Gentle Monster
Self
Film historians, and producer Richard Gordon, talk about the horror movie career of cult star Boris Karloff.
Shadows in the Dark: The Val Lewton Legacy
Self
Documentary about the great 1940s horror movie producer Val Lewton, featured on the 2005 DVD release "The Val Lewton Horror Collection."
The Blood Beast: The Films of Michael Reeves
himself
The 12th Episode from the "Eurotika" documentary series, made for the UK Channel 4 about European exploitation cinema. This one looks at the films of British director Michael Reeves, who died under mysterious circumstances at age 25. Interviews include TV star and longtime fellow Ian Ogilvy, who starred in all three of Reeves's features, award winning author Iain Sinclair and Paul Maslansky, who produced Reeves's first movie.
The Prince of Egypt: From Dream to Screen
Writer
The making of The Prince of Egypt (1998).
Scala Cinema Club
Self
This feature-length big screen documentary tells the riotous inside story of the infamous sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll repertory cinema which inspired a generation during Britain's turbulent Thatcher years.
A World War II Fairytale: The Making of Michael Mann's 'The Keep'
Self
Exploring Michael Mann's 1983 film adapted from the F. Paul Wilson novel and its impact.