Horror movies provide a cinematic experience with many opportunities. Traditionally thought of as just scary, horror movies now tackle comedic issues as well.
The essential question to ask before watching any horror movie is: do I want to be scared, or do I want to laugh? With the exception of post-modern dramas (Noah Baumbauch or Wes Anderson), horror movies are one of the few varieties of movies that hop into a multi-genre category. Because of the impact that a horror movie can have, the film can be viewed as scary or funny.
The basic nature of the horror movie is simple. The viewer wishes to watch something out of the ordinary in a fashion to arouse fear. However, from the basic idea, the creator of the movie takes a direction towards subtle fear, or over the top gore.
Gore is Where It's At
“The gore is where it is at,” says filmmaker Stephen Schwartz. “When a movie tries to be too bloody, using the blood for fear effect, it makes the viewer laugh. If the movie tries to be too subtle, trying to make the viewer create fear in their mind, it can also turn out funny.”
So what makes an actual scary movie? It depends on the viewer. If the audience has an aversion to clowns, a movie such as It, will be very scary. Others may laugh at the haughty attempt to link the faux-imaginary Pennywise to all the mishaps of a small town.
In the same respect, taking a look at modern horror cinema, there is an over plausible attempt to use children as a device to deliver scares. Linking current trends in horror, we can see M. Night Shamylan’s creation of suspense horror with Sixth Sense as an agent for the modern use of children.
Children Induce Fear
“Shamylan made a decent attempt for the viewer to take an alternate look at something everyday. Children are a big part of our lives, and Sixth Sense made it possible for children to be a vessel for terror,” Schwartz contends. “He essentially gave children more credit than they deserve as countless films throw a child in with hopes that the audience will react positively.”
Unfortunately, for the view not responsive to predetermined horror, many movies just turn out to be comedic. So, when attempting to watch a horror movie, one must examine what scares them the most. However, as Schwartz says, “Don’t be afraid to delve into the B movie section and take a glance at those over the top gore fests.”
The climax of horror is successful as comedy or terror. The viewer is responsible for their interpretation, but certain movies are obviously geared towards one side.
