An ode to the art of fear in cinema
Why am I enamoured by the sixth most popular genre in cinema - horror movies? I’m sure a substantial part of the population doesn’t mind the occasional sleep paralysis demon visualized on the big screen. Granted, horror movies are not the comfort-type of movie you put on after a long day of being outside and simulating a friendly but always on the verge of a breakdown persona. The beauty of it all is that both good and bad horror movies are great sources of entertainment. A good horror movie scene can make you paranoid, anxious, on the verge of averting your gaze –and it’s not just about the scene, it’s also about the build-up. It pumps adrenaline straight to your heart and makes you cling to the nearest pillow. You can argue why watch something that leaves you almost traumatizingly scared for your life. Yet I argue why indulge in rollercoaster rides, bungee jumping, swimming with sharks or cave exploring? And horror movies can be more than that – they can be relevant, they can be artistic, they can be creative. The collaboration of visuals and the film score can command tension and anxiety that reaches the audience. The score presents itself as respectfully poignant – it doesn’t steal the scene but elevates it. One look at Hans Zimmer’s work can tell you just how much power music has in movies.
While constructing this unnecessary support for horror movies I want to acknowledge that in the vast world of cinematic creations horror is one of many entertaining genres out there. I am painfully aware that other genres are as just as good as creating an emotional impact. Yet the emotional footprint created by horror movies is incomparable. They are able to forge lasting impressions driven by fear and anxiety. I crave for something persistent, irrevocably damaging and brain altering the way Midsommar will make you avoid summer festivals in Sweden for the rest of your life.
Whenever the term ‘horror movie’ is mentioned there’s a high probability that people imagine different scenes and instances in movies. That is because horror can be presented as paranormal, gore, psychological, existential, killer and more. In all these sub-genres there is a threat, unnoticed danger, a villain that is lurking in the shadows. In my case I enjoy the unknown, the mystery, movies in which the scariest things are the vivid imaginations in your head of what hides in the dark. You hold your breath while the uncanny events are unfolding in front of you, but you know that at the end of the day it’s just a piece of fiction. And if it fooled you into thinking it might be real then the movie has served its purpose.
Lastly, we should acknowledge the presence of abysmal horror movies that populate this Earth. They either leave a bitter taste in your mouth or a source of great entertainment – the line is blurry. If you have only ever come across bad horror movies you either have no access to popular culture or have way too high of a standard and take yourself a bit too seriously. Still, don’t be discouraged if horror movies aren’t the love of your life.