Are Horror Movies Representative of Our Fears?
The relationship between horror movies and our modern fears is multifaceted, and while some may argue that they are the mirror of contemporary anxieties, others refute this notion. This article delves into the extent to which horror films represent our fears, exploring historical context, psychological aspects, and modern cinematographic techniques.
The Evolution of Horror Films
Horror movies have a rich and diverse history, with their nature continually adapting to reflect the social and technological anxieties of the day. For instance, the early 20th-century cinematic portrayal of Frankenstein mirrored the public's apprehension towards scientific advancements, an idea explicitly conveyed in Mary Shelley's novel. As time passed, the nature of horror shifted, capturing the essence of the social anxieties prevalent in various periods.
Early cinematography techniques have evolved significantly, making pre-Edison film versions of horror movies such as Frankenstein unscenarios for today's viewers. The advancements in film technology, such as improved sound, special effects, and storytelling, have transformed what we find frightening. In this context, the phrase 'monster' must now encompass more than just a physical entity; it needs to be something tangible and relatable to our fears.
New Elements in Modern Horror
Today, horror films incorporate a range of elements that elicit fear, such as the paranormal or an imposing threat, which can be both tangible and abstract. These elements serve to prompt the brain into a fight or flight mode, thus tapping into the primal fear present in all of us. For instance, a ghost or an unknown entity can serve as an evil presence in a horror movie, removing the possibility of defense and invoking a primal fear that can gnaw at the rational brain.
Jump scares, a popular technique in the horror genre, are a result of this fight or flight reflex. However, these may not evoke lasting fear since our rational minds can communicate with the primal brain, advising it to calm down and dismiss the threat as insignificant. These techniques, while cheap and effective, do not necessarily make the fear genuinely real for the audience, as they can easily be dismissed through logic and reason.
Representing Primal and Rational Fears
A well-crafted horror movie can successfully represent both primal and rational fears. They can trigger the fight or flight response and also prompt rational concerns that reflect the real-world issues we face. For example, the fear of vulnerability is a very primal concern. The found footage horror genre, such as The Blair Witch Project, immerses the viewer in the action, making them feel the vulnerability of the characters more acutely. This genre effectively represents the fear of being vulnerable, a fear that can be deeply unsettling and resonate with the audience on a primal level.
However, not all horror movies achieve this. Some series, such as Friday the 13th or Electra Gothic, focus primarily on the monster, neglecting to tap into deeper fears. Similarly, movies like Saw, while creating a sense of fear, do not feel genuinely real to the audience, thus requiring an additional layer of disbelief to generate fear.
Conclusion
Horror movies can indeed represent our fears, but they must first make themselves allegorical and relevant to the fears of the present day. They have the capacity to trigger the fight or flight response and evoke rational concerns. However, they can falter if they fail to be believable, failing to create a sense of genuine fear. In the end, the true power of horror lies in its ability to tap into our deepest, most primal fears, evoking an emotional response that resonates with our rational and irrational selves.