How can you say ‘Artless’? He’s the main antagonist.

I understand where the director is going in listing the antecedents/inspiration for Art, but the clear model is the Gentlemen from the silent Buffy episode “Hush.” It is precisely the deranged grin, and the silence, that makes the Gentlemen so terrifying, as it does Art (also, he’s a freakin’ clown).

IMO, every good slasher franchise needs a strong final character. A hero standing up to the slasher, even though they’re scared out of their wits. You need a Sidney or Laurie or Ripley or Andy. Which is why I think this one is doing better than the original. 

Polanski? The Tenant, Repulsion, arguably Chinatown, Ninth Gate, 

The very obvious omissions for me are the italians, particularly Argento and Bava. It’s also weird how many of the top horror movies were directed by dabblers in the genre. The Shining, The Exorcist, and Alien are all frequently brought up as candidates for the best horror movie of all time, none of whose directors…

Dario Argento

Romero was mentioned above.. but only his Dead films. Martin, Creepshow & The Crazies are all worth checking out as well.

Tobe Hooper beats at least half these clowns. Texas Chain Saw Massacre One and Two. Poltergeist? What about George Romero, creator of the modern zombie genre? Even some one offs, like Clive Barker with Hellraiser or James Gunn with Slither. Check your horror movie credentials before you write an article like this.

If I had to choose one it would probably be Carpenter

Well I’d give a strong nod to the German Expressionists of the silent era, namely Robert Wiene (“The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” and “The Hands of Orlac”), Paul Wegner (“The Golem”) and of course F.W. Murnau (“Nosferatu”). I’d also note Carl Dreyer and his AMAZINGLY nightmarish “Vampyr.”

somewhere, Clive Barker’s ears are burning

Tod Browning. Freaks, The Unknown, Dracula — I’d say he deserves to be part of this conversation.

Mario Bava

I fancy myself a bit of a horror slut, I have enjoyed Eli Roth’s stuff, I do love some gore.  But I have always loved Cronenberg work as well.

I saw Avatar four times within two weeks when it was released, including one time in IMAX format. It’s true that it isn’t as great when seen on a TV, but it’s still a very watchable, thrilling and entertaining movie for people of all ages.

And some movies with stories and characters suck. Point being, those elements are not prerequisites for the medium to work.

Plus so many hits in his career are preluded by public/industry doubt only to be met with critical and commercial success. He’s pulled this trick off over and over again.

Exactly. It’s like people forget Cameron is nearly a billionaire. He can fund a large part of these projects himself and his status in Hollywood guarantees he will always have people on board with his work. Only way these movies stop is if he wants to stop.

Also, James Cameron is just a highly skilled filmmaker that knows how to make watchable popcorn movies. I wouldn’t underestimate him. Everyone sneered that Titanic was going to be a flop. People were skeptical of Terminator 2. So, there’s that. 

given how well the Avatar rerelease did, I think 2 is going to be a hit.