Dementia and Schizophrenia are like the strange noises you hear in your bedroom at night. You know they must be something making those noises but you’d just rather deny it and repeat to yourself that it’s just in your head. That was Terry Mason’s life, a life of denial of his mental illnesses. From his illusions of texts written in blood on the walls of his apartment to those of his local community members punching him to death with door handles. He went through it all… at least until that one day when in a dream he decided he would fight back and went on a spree to kill every community member with none other than a door handle.
But is it really a dream…?
Don’t worry the above ain’t nothing fact-based. It is actually a pitch for a horror movie that i came up with. (btw feel free to comment your thoughts on it below)
I thought it would be an interesting way of entering into today’s discussion on horror movies.
Look… i think we are getting over-served lately. It looks like there is a new horror movie at the multiplex (ps: multiplex means movie theater in this context) every single week. As a matter of fact we are only in June and more than 30 horror movies have been released this year already. That averages to 1.5 horror movie releases per week! And we ain’t even done with 2024 yet. It’s just the year’s midpoint. Some of them are worthy of being called masterpieces like the original “The Exorcist” or the more recent “Get Out” movies but most are not even good enough to be on Netflix and that’s already putting the bar very low. Rotten Tomatoes ranked them all so check that out here. But quite honestly when you start thinking about it for a minute it all starts to come together. Horror and small Indie movies are the cheapest movies to make and generally represent a really safe return on investment for production companies. So it is nothing but logical to see more and more of those being made
So bare with me and me and let’s do a deep dive (kinda) into this genre and try to understand why it won’t leave our theaters any soon.
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The Evolution and Impact of Modern Horror Movies (small history lesson)
Horror movies have long been a staple of the cinematic experience, evolving significantly over the decades. They have captivated audiences for over a century, evolving from simple, silent films into complex narratives exploring the darkest corners of the human psyche. The genre's origins can be traced back to the early 20th century, where filmmakers began experimenting with themes of fear, the supernatural, and the macabre. This article will delve into the beginnings of horror movies, their evolution, and their impact on popular culture.
The Birth of Horror: Silent Era Classics
The horror genre found its roots in the silent film era, with Georges Méliès’ "Le Manoir du Diable" (1896), often credited as the first horror film. This short film, translated as "The House of the Devil," set the stage for the genre with its portrayal of supernatural elements and dark, gothic aesthetics. Though rudimentary by modern standards, it was a pioneering effort in using cinema to evoke fear and wonder.
Another significant milestone in early horror cinema was Robert Wiene’s "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" (1920). This German Expressionist film is notable for its striking visual style, characterized by distorted sets, sharp contrasts of light and shadow, and a pervasive atmosphere of unease. The film’s story of a hypnotist who uses a somnambulist to commit murders introduced psychological horror and the unreliable narrator, elements that would become staples of the genre.
The Universal Monsters: Establishing the Genre
The 1930s and 1940s saw the rise of Universal Pictures' iconic monster movies, which played a crucial role in defining and popularizing horror cinema. Films like "Dracula" (1931), "Frankenstein" (1931), and "The Mummy" (1932) introduced audiences to legendary monsters and archetypes that remain influential to this day. Bela Lugosi’s portrayal of Count Dracula and Boris Karloff’s Frankenstein’s Monster became cultural icons, embodying the fears and fascinations of their era.
These films were not only commercial successes but also artistic achievements. James Whale’s direction in "Frankenstein" and "The Bride of Frankenstein" (1935) brought a sophisticated blend of horror and pathos, making the monster a sympathetic figure rather than a mere villain. The Universal Monsters era laid the groundwork for horror as a serious genre, capable of exploring deep themes such as identity, otherness, and the consequences of human hubris.
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Post-War Horror: Shifting Tones and New Threats
The aftermath of World War II and the advent of the Cold War brought a shift in horror cinema. The anxieties of the atomic age and the paranoia of the Cold War era were reflected in films like "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1956) and "Them!" (1954). These films utilized science fiction elements to address contemporary fears of invasion, conformity, and the unknown.
During this period, Alfred Hitchcock’s "Psycho" (1960) revolutionized the genre by introducing psychological horror and the concept of the slasher film. "Psycho" broke many taboos, including the infamous shower scene, which shocked audiences with its graphic depiction of violence. Hitchcock’s masterful use of suspense, combined with a groundbreaking narrative structure, paved the way for future horror films to explore more complex and disturbing themes.
The Rise of the Modern Horror Film
The late 1960s and 1970s marked a turning point in horror cinema, with filmmakers pushing boundaries and exploring more explicit content. George A. Romero’s "Night of the Living Dead" (1968) introduced the modern zombie film, combining social commentary with graphic horror. The film’s raw depiction of violence and its subversive themes, such as race and societal collapse, resonated with audiences and critics alike.
This era also saw the emergence of supernatural horror with films like "The Exorcist" (1973) and "The Omen" (1976). "The Exorcist," directed by William Friedkin, brought a new level of intensity to the genre with its terrifying portrayal of demonic possession. The film’s shocking imagery, combined with a deeply unsettling narrative, left a lasting impact on the genre and set new standards for horror filmmaking.
John Carpenter’s "Halloween" (1978) further solidified the slasher subgenre, introducing the iconic character of Michael Myers. Carpenter’s use of tension, minimalistic score, and the suburban setting created a sense of relatable terror, influencing countless slasher films that followed. "Halloween" demonstrated how horror could be both commercially successful and critically acclaimed, cementing its place in cinematic history.
As i said earlier hundreds of horror movies are produced and released per year. Do you really think hollywood would be producing so many horror movies yearly if they weren’t lucrative? No… the answer to to that question is a big bold NO. They won’t stop making them so it definitely means people are watching them, right? Then why?
The Everlasting Allure of Horror: Why We Just Can't Get Enough of Scary Movies
In the ever-evolving landscape of cinema, horror remains a stalwart genre, continually churning out new films that captivate and terrify audiences worldwide. From the gothic tales of the early 20th century to the modern psychological thrillers, horror movies persist as a dominant force in entertainment. But what drives this relentless production, and why do audiences continue to flock to theaters and streaming platforms to get their scare fix without feeling overwhelmed?
The Psychological Appeal of Horror
At the core of horror's appeal is its ability to tap into fundamental human emotions. Fear is a primal instinct, and horror movies allow us to confront it in a controlled environment. This controlled confrontation provides a safe space to explore the darker aspects of human nature and the unknown. As Stephen King famously stated, "We make up horrors to help us cope with the real ones."
Horror movies often serve as a form of escapism, enabling viewers to experience a heightened sense of reality. In a world filled with real-life anxieties and uncertainties, the fictional scares on screen can be oddly comforting. They offer a sense of catharsis, a way to release pent-up emotions and stress. For example, the 2018 film "Hereditary" delves deep into themes of family trauma and grief, allowing audiences to process their emotions through the lens of supernatural horror.
Cultural Reflection and Social Commentary
Horror is a mirror reflecting societal fears and issues. Each era of horror cinema corresponds to contemporary anxieties. In the 1950s, films like "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" played on fears of communism and the loss of individualism. The 1970s saw a rise in occult and supernatural horror, with "The Exorcist" addressing religious and existential fears.
Modern horror continues this tradition, often tackling current social and political issues. Jordan Peele's "Get Out" (2017) is a prime example, using horror to explore racial tensions and the subtleties of modern racism. Similarly, "The Babadook" (2014) deals with grief and mental illness, while "A Quiet Place" (2018) touches on themes of family and survival in a world where silence is the key to existence. By embedding these themes within horror narratives, filmmakers provide a space for viewers to engage with and reflect on these issues in a profound way.
The Impact of Iconic Characters and Franchises
Iconic characters and long-running franchises also play a crucial role in the sustained popularity of horror. Characters like Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, and Michael Myers have become cultural icons, with their respective franchises continually attracting new generations of fans. These characters embody the essence of horror and maintain a lasting impact on popular culture.
The success of franchises like "The Conjuring" universe and the "Halloween" series illustrates how familiar narratives and characters can be revitalized for contemporary audiences. The "Halloween" reboot in 2018 brought Jamie Lee Curtis back as Laurie Strode, merging nostalgia with modern storytelling techniques to great effect.
The Communal Experience
Another factor in the enduring popularity of horror is the communal experience it offers. Watching a horror movie in a theater amplifies the scare factor, with collective gasps, screams, and even laughter is a crazy experience and a quite unforgettable one. This communal aspect extends to social media, where fans discuss and dissect films, creating a sense of community and shared interest.
Moreover, horror conventions and festivals provide a platform for fans to engage with filmmakers, actors, and fellow enthusiasts. Events like Comic-Con and specialized horror festivals such as Screamfest and the Toronto After Dark Film Festival celebrate the genre, fostering a dedicated and passionate fanbase.
But what about you?
The persistent production of horror movies and their unwavering popularity can be attributed to the genre's psychological appeal, cultural relevance, and adaptability. By continuously reflecting societal fear and offering a diverse range of subgenres, horror remains a vital and dynamic part of the cinematic landscape. Whether through the communal thrill of a theater screening or the intimate experience of a VR horror game, the genre provides a unique and compelling way to confront and understand our deepest fears. As long as humans possess the capacity for fear, horror movies will continue to captivate and terrify, ensuring their place in the annals of cinematic history.
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