10 Scariest Uses Of Make-Up In Horror Movies
6. Barlow Revealed – Salem’s Lot (1979)
Horror legend Tobe Hooper appears once more on this list, with his 1979 TV adaption of Stephen King’s second novel, Salem’s Lot, doing justice to the vampiric shocks of its inspiration. In fact, there are many exemplary moments to pick from, such as English teacher Mathew Burke encountering the undead Mike Ryerson or—perhaps more famously—precocious youth Mark Petrie seeing his schoolmate Danny Glick floating outside his bedroom, beckoning him to open the window.
Nevertheless, it’s the final form of the mysterious Kurt Barlow that stands out. The Count Dracula of the story, Barlow remains hidden for most of the tale, with his business partner (and human slave) Richard Straker appearing in public. Once too many intolerable and mysterious things happen around the town, protagonist Ben Mears joins with Petrie and a few other men to take down Barlow for good.
Wise to their plan, Barlow goes on the offensive, attacking people whilst revealing an updated variation on the Nosferatu template that includes pale blue skin, glowing yellow/red eyes, and snarling fangs. It’s remarkably effective given the production restraints, and it still ranks highly when pitted against other cinematic realizations of King’s creatures.