Todd Browning
Todd makes the list mostly for one film. That is Freaks. I had heard of this film for years. But never could find a copy. Then not too long after we finally got cable TNT aired it late one night. I recorded it. And once I got home from school the next day I sat down and watched it. Most horror from that era doesn't shock or scare me. But Freaks does. Todd may be better known for directing Dracula. But to me Freaks is a much better film.
If I was making this list before he made the Lord of the Rings trilogy he would rank much higher. I discovered Mr Jackson not too long after Bad Taste hit VHS. Once I saw that film I tracked down each of his films and loved them. Dead/Alive,Forgotten Silver,Meet the Feebles and The Frighteners are all some of my favorite films. Then I heard he was going to direct the LotR trilogy of films. I wasn't that excited. Because I didn't enjoy the novels. But since it was Peter Jackson I gave them a chance. I sat through Fellowship of the rings, bored the entire time. I have tried to watch The Two Towers 3 times and every time I end up falling asleep. His King Kong remake was lifeless. But for all his pre-LotR films he makes my list.
4.Stanley Kubrick
The first Kubrick film I saw was 2001. I had to be 8 or 9. After reading about how it was a classic of the science fiction genre I felt a strong need to see it. The 2 video stores we belonged to didn't have it. So I begged and begged my parents to join one that did. I rented it and didn't get it. When I was 15 I rewatched it and finally understood it. Then I saw Clockwork Orange,Full Metal Jacket,The Shining and pretty much every other Kubrick film. The only film of his I don't care for is Eyes Wide Shut. Mr Kubrick has a very distinct style. And is well know for being a perfectionist.
Now most horror fans consider Dario Argento the master of Italian horror. And I do like Argento. But I prefer Lucio Fulci. The Gates of Hell was the first of his films I saw. And it hooked me and got me into Euro-horror. Over the years I have seen lots of his work. From the westerns he directed to even his version of the classic White Fang. My favorite is The Beyond. Fulci's horror work has this dream like feel too it that appeals to me. Another stand out is Cat in a Brain. Which is one of the best meta-fiction horror films I have ever seen. And at least in my opinion is the film Wes Craven ripped off with New Nightmare. I had a chance to goto the NYC Fango Con where Mr Fulci made an appearance. But I skipped it. I regret it. Not too long after that con Fulci died.
Most people know Mr Clark as the director of A Christmas Story. Or as the director of the 80s comedy classic Porkys. But how many people know about his horror films from the 70s. He directed the proto-slasher Black Christmas. Which is a very chilling film. Then there is the comedy/zombie film Children Shouldn't play with dead things. Bob Clark feels like a director that never gets the attention he deserves. Sadly he died a few years back. He was in a wreck caused by a drunk driver. And Mr Clark and his son were both killed.
Since seeing Blue Velvet I have been a huge David Lynch fan. I have seen every film,tv show and even commercial he has directed. He perfectly captures the feeling of having a nightmare. Sure most of his films require multiple viewings to even begin to understand what they are about. But outside of Dune, each film is worth watching. I am still amazed at what he got away with in Twin Peaks. It is one of the most subversive TV shows to air in prime time in the USA.