Explain a horror movie and why it has merit.

[ASoron0424]

Horror movies are usually looked at by a lot of movie critics as being kind of the bottom of the barrel (a notch or two above romantic comedies) in terms of quality (which is justified when you think about it, I think more than most genres, the ratio of good horror movies to bad ones really works against its reputation - and I guess in terms of straight-to-video movies, it's the easiest genre to engineer). So just for the sake of a new discussion, how about some of you defend horror movies in general?
What would you say to someone who says there's no artistic merit in a film whose primary intention is to evoke fear and discomfort from its audience?

Or, preferably (to me at least), just argue your point as to what makes horror movies significant, why they're a good art form, what do they deliver that other genres don't, etc.

Or explain why one movie in particular has a lot of merit, that'll work too.

[BooBerry]

Horror flicks are amazing for a lot of people because they get a chance to safely feel an emotion that they'd never feel unless something horrifying happened to them in reality, which no one wants. People enjoyed being scared because they feel afraid, but also know it's ok, which makes it something to laugh at. In my opinion, wether intentional or not by the filmmakers, horror movies are a great mix of suspense, drama, and comedy.

A lot of people just forget the comedy part until something makes you jump and then everyone turns to look at each other, then everyone laughs.

As for why people like us, die hard horror fans, enjoy the genre so much, that seems to vary from person to person. I enjoy it because I like being scared and I love watching my friends and family being scared.

[skybrick]

I enjoy horror movies because I have an odd enjoyment for people dying on film.

[Knight]

I don't and wouldn't defend the horror genre. I'm a realist and realize most horror films are complete garbage. Entertaining garbage, but garbage nonetheless. If someone were to come up to me and say 'Hey, the horror genre has no artistic merit!' I would simply laugh in their face for stating the painfully obvious. Of course there's more than a few exceptions.

But seriously, who needs 'artistic merit' in all of their films other than pretentious film students and critics?

[ASoron0424]

I don't and wouldn't defend the horror genre. I'm a realist and realize most horror films are complete garbage. Entertaining garbage, but garbage nonetheless. If someone were to come up to me and say 'Hey, the horror genre has no artistic merit!' I would simply laugh in their face for stating the painfully obvious. Of course there's more than a few exceptions.

But seriously, who needs 'artistic merit' in all of their films other than pretentious film students and critics?

Well, besides entertainment, what do you think about other values it may have? I don't mean to offend anyone on the board, but knowing myself, I think it would be safe to say that most of the people who are die-hard horror fans aren't the biggest risk-takers. I would imagine there's some kind of fulfillment there for people who really aren't prone to going out and doing shit like that on their own (myself for example). I think I get a kick out of seeing those four-minute chase scenes (like the one at the end of the TCM remake, through the woods and then the meathouse) because I know I'm not gonna do anything in an average day of my life that's gonna give me that kind of rush.

But I guess on the other hand you could argue that most of the people who are die-hard fans of the genre are thrillseekers and are ALWAYS doing outgoing, crazy shit to get their heart racing and their adrenaline pumping; and so they would therefore probably just enjoy that similar (though diluted a bit, obviously) experience in horror movies.

[RIP]

Sounds like ASoron0424 has a paper to write.

[ASoron0424]

Sounds like ASoron0424 has a paper to write.

No, sir, RIP, but I'd think the same thing. I'm just kind of bothered with the typical kind of dumb-dumb topics on the horror-talk board, and the fact that nobody makes new ones.
Not to blow smoke up my ass (as pleasurable as it may be), but who can't use a bit of intellect and maturity from time to time when discussing something they're passionate about or seriously interested in?

[steelba]

Asron you are Cptn Splding aka Nosferatu.
That is why you've been belnding seemlesly.
Did anyone subscribe to your Manitee porn?

[ASoron0424]

Asron you are Cptn Splding aka Nosferatu.
That is why you've been belnding seemlesly. Yeah I was abit slow but I gotcha.
Did anyone subscribe to your Manitee porn?

Fuck.


No......
No one yet.

[steelba]

:mhehe:


It's cool, but you've been spotted.

[ASoron0424]

:/ I'm starting to get a bit confused...

but anyways; what're your thoughts on the subject, steelba?

[RIP]

I would say that the horror genre is arguably the most pure of all genres, because it has a very clear and precise objective, to scare you. Having said that, there are very few truly good horror films. (The same can be said of comedy)

[dead breed]

Asron you are Cptn Splding aka Nosferatu.
That is why you've been belnding seemlesly.
Did anyone subscribe to your Manitee porn?

I was thinking the same thing. The sig is what made me wonder...

[steelba]

I was thinking the same thing. The sig is what made me wonder...

It's him.
He makes the exact same kinda threads too :2far:

[ASoron0424]

It's him.
He makes the exact same kinda threads too :2far:

Oh, noooo, no, no, I swear, lol, I got on this site like last year but haven't started using this sn since the end of summer break. lol, I swear, ask fright, maybe he'd know somehow, I'm not Nosferatu.

[ASoron0424]

lol, I agreed to what you said about Manitee porn because I thought it was just a joke.

[Misfit]

i wrote a paper on battle royale once for one english courses......i may or may not have quoted frights review for the film :ahheh:

[steelba]

i wrote a paper on battle royale once for one english courses......i may or may not have quoted frights review for the film :ahheh:
Plagiarist :D

[Misfit]

Plagiarist :D

nope i quoted him and gave the reference......

[steelba]

You can't handle the Truth!!

[Godfatha]

The best horror films are the ones that have something to say about the world/society at large beyond 'Boo.' Usually it's a conservative something being said, but the attempt is being made at the very least.

But a lot films, I'd just reiterate what Knight said. Not all films need justification, because they dont aspire to be anything more than a means of wasting 2 hours.

[skybrick]

I'm just kind of bothered with the typical kind of dumb-dumb topics on the horror-talk board, and the fact that nobody makes new ones.


The only reason why this thread is on the downside right now is because there are terrible horror movies out there right now, when summer rolls around I expect it to be hot like it was before. Plus nobody has posted those crazy UHM games that I love to participate in. wink wink.