What will you dream about… tonight? A visit to the zoo or a romantic meal for two? The only dreams in horror movies are nightmares. Yet these experiences reinforce our collective fascination with the unknown. Clearly, this human condition holds special meaning for director Wes Craven. As such, his masterful A Nightmare on Elm Street serves two purposes: to provide escapism, and to ponder upcoming scary dreams.

So it goes for four friends that share the same creepy nightmare. A certain hat, fleshy burns and clothing correspond to one man: Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund). However, a murder throws suspicion upon one of the college kids. For Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp), the warning signs prevent her from dozing off. However, as night approaches she finds it increasingly difficult to stay awake.

Crucially, A Nightmare on Elm Street defines a generational bond that goes beyond boogeymen aesthetics. Due to Craven’s sincere approach, this tale of terror reveals a fondness for classic genre traditions. For example, early sound movies like Dracula, The Wolf Man and Frankenstein wrought fascinating morality tales inside the macabre. It’s here that Craven finds suitable company.

There are several tongue-in-cheek moments that define the film’s greatness: the killer’s outline in wallpaper; the first murder -- a kind of exorcism minus the spinning head; a hat that appears from nowhere; and one mechanical effect more eerily funny than scary. Add it together and the result equals perfect horror tradecraft. Sleep well!

(Released by New Line Cinema and rated "R" for adult situations/language, nudity and violence.)