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The Science of Horror
Other | Wednesday 16th October 2013 | Lauren
Now that Halloween is approaching, it means that the TV will be fillled of late night horror films, mostly awful, but some very good. It is the unique thing about horror films, that more often than not, they are placed on either end of the spectrum, it is rare that you find one okay, horror. It is more likely that it is terribly awful, or terribly good.
It seems that horror films are like wines, they need to mature over the years, they shouldn't be downed in one sitting before becoming some awful mess on the pavement at the end of the night. Some of the greatest horror films come mostly from the last century. Recent horror films have been spoiled by continuous sequels, Saw was a clever, gruesome and well recognised horror film, but thanks to the six sequels made after the original in 2004, Saw has started to lose its integrity. Similarly, Parnormal Activity started the trend of horror films made in a documentary style, all shaky cameras, and not really seeing anything actually terrifying. With the 2014 release of Paranormal Activity 5, at this point I'm sure the world really has seen enough of people being dragged out of bed by seemingly nothing...
Lists of the greatest horror films are always available at this time of year, and the lists rarely argue with eachother. At number one, it is usually Psycho. The Shining and The Exorcist will make an appearance along the way, but they will rarely be from this side of the 21st Century. Scream and The Blair Witch Project may also make an entrance, but it is more often than not, the older ones who take away the prize.
It seems that recent horror films want to 'gross out' rather than really disturb their audience, blood and gore seem to be the main factors that horror directors go for. Whereas in The Shining, the real scares came from Jack's slow descent into madness, one of the most disturbing moments being his conversation with the not-quite-there barman, Lloyd. A truly scary horror film is one which the audience can relate to, but also hits them with their deepest fears. There has been a pattern over the years of horror films playing into public feeling, and big news stories of that time. The Shining was released after the Watergate scandal, the father figure of the nation, Richard Nixon, had betrayed the Peoples trust in the worst way - similar to the father character Jack. Rosemary's Baby was made around the time of the liberation of sex and women being more free with their sexuality, now that the Pill had become available. Recently horror films have been focusing on technology and the internet, with films such as Chatroom, or based on feral youths - such as F.
So, if you are braving it with a horror this Halloween, don't get too scared and just remember that it's all completely made up and formulaic.....although that tapping on your wall doesn't sound made up....
By Lauren Floodgate
