Monster Monday: Dads of Horrorland

As a final wrap up of our June, Monster Dads feature, we turn to the big screen for the top depictions of monstrous fathers in horror films. There are some wicked contenders, but we’ve narrowed it down to the top FIVE:

Jack Torrence – The Shining (1979)

All work and no play certainly was a prescription for madness for Jack Torrence, played by the dreadfully cool, Jack Nicholson. Jack’s insecurities make him the perfect target for the ghosts living in the Overlook Hotel. A hotel he is charged with caring for during the long, isolating winter. Too bad Jack brought his young family along for the brutal ride to insanityville.

   

     George Lutz – The Amityville Horror (1979, 2005)

Nothing strikes the heart of an evil, possessed house like a frugal daddy. When George Lutz (James Brolin) scoops up the real estate find of the century, a Dutch Colonial home to DIE for, dismissing its bloody past, he and his family are embraced, body and soul. Only this welcome wagon comes in the form of possession and blood.

   

     Sir John Talbot – Wolfman (1941, 2010)

Sir John has the daddy of all secrets – every full moon he turns into a man-eating werewolf, so bloodthirsty he even kills the woman he loves. The mother of his sons. All is soon revealed however, when son is pitted against father, werewolf mano et mano / claw and claw / furry chest and....well, you get the idea.

     

     Dad Meiks – Frailty (2002)

Bill Paxton is chilling in his portrayal of a father who believes he can see demons and the sins of others, and who is doing God’s work by killing said folks – while his two young sons watch. He’s training them, you see, to join him in his gruesome duty. To the very end of this film you’ll be wondering – is Daddy Meiks a serial killer or the hand of God?

       

     Satan – Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

While there is a very human male “daddy” in this film, John Cassavetes, he just might be for show. His young, pregnant wife fears he’s made a pact with a bunch of Satan worshipers in exchange for increased success. She’s probably right. And the real father of her child? None other than the fiery redsuit himself, Satan.

Survival Tip: May and June we celebrated the horror of dysfunctional parents, but all monster jokes aside, if you’re a teen and feel unsafe in your own home or just need someone to talk to, please consider the aide of such organizations as Kids Help Phone . If you’re an adult in a soul-sucking relationship, get out while you still can – ask friends or someone you trust for help.