Monsters generate memorable frights

In the world of movie monsters, there's nothing quite as important as the reveal.

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Sure, there are other essential ingredients - scary setting, victims and a scene-setting score - but it's the moment when the audience is finally introduced to the creature du jour, the nightmare incarnate, that determines whether a movie will frighten or falter.

Whether it's Kong emerging from the jungle or the moment when the Predator's true nature is finally revealed, unmasking the monster, pulling it snapping and snarling from the dark recesses of the imagination into the bright cinematic light, is as important as (and infinitely trickier than) vanquishing them. Here are a few favorites:

AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON (1981): Although the film deftly balances elements of humor and horror, there are few giggles in the still-astonishing scene when an American college student (David Naughton) catches full-moon fever. Gripping, a little gross and all in good horror show fun.

ALIEN (1979): What a bargain - two reveals for the price of one. Though the jury is still out as to whether the now-famous "chest-burster" scene or the first glimpse of the full-grown menace is more frightening, both rank among contemporary cinema's great scares.

FRANKENSTEIN (1931): After building to a climax, the monster-movie classic pays off with one of the great reveals of all time. A monster so iconic that audiences' first exposure altered how fans would picture the famouscreature, Dr. Frankenstein's creation will forever be the face, albeit heavily made up, of Boris Karloff.

THE THING (1982): Though audiences are fairly certain something sinister is afoot by the time this monster first appears, it doesn't lessen the shock value of seeing a rescued sled dog turned inside out by the interstellar parasite that has made its home under poor Fido's skin. It isn't as shocking as the spider-walking human head later in the film, but still plenty scary.

JURASSIC PARK (1993): Director Steven Spielberg actually allows the audience to hear and (if the sound system is willing) feel the presence of his prehistoric predator before it strides into view. Announced by the low, booming tread of its footfall and a few sonic ripples spreading across a glass of water, it's the perfect stage setting for the enormous T. rex that steals the scene.

Reach Steven Uhles at (706) 823-3626 or steven.uhles@augustachronicle.com.