Two major film genres with increasing popularity in the film industry and the younger generations are horror and comedy. Each genre has its own unique style for captivating viewers and makes them eager to return to the movies once more. Both comedy and horror attract people from different backgrounds and what entertains certain viewers may not suit another societal group. Horror and comedy each require parental awareness, unique acting styles, and individual enthusiasm. Before heading to the movies, viewers should do research to find which genre and title best suits their interests and preferences. Most people watch films either for entertainment or receiving information on a subject, but simple entertainment does not always explain why we watch a film. Society turns to film as a way to encourage certain emotions such as sadness, fear, and happiness. Many people show more sensitivity to horror films, yet they continue to watch them because they enjoy the thrills fear induces and the excitement that comes along with it. Katerina Bantinaki argues that the fear experienced by many when exposed to horror can somehow be interpreted as a positive emotion (BANTINAKI 383). However, certain people do not care for experiencing fear or may even have issues with anxiety; therefore they may prefer a happier film. For those whom horror just does not make the cut, the viewer should consider comedy as wonderful way for appealing to more positive emotions in people. “A sense of humor is a common human characteristic that people in many cultures experience” (Sawahata 1). When we put a comedy in our DVD player, we expect to laugh and experience happiness. When considering what film type to watch, one must also consider who will receive exposure t... ... middle of paper ... ...Comedy and horror do not share many similarities nor do they contain the same messages, but they do have one thing in common: They are both intended to be entertaining for anyone who watches them. No genre has an advantage over the other and each have genuine artistic qualities for viewers to appreciate. Regardless of what age a person is or what interests they may have, there are films for everyone that will complement those interests. The only thing one has to do is search for that perfect film. Works Cited BANTINAKI, KATERINA. "The Paradox Of Horror: Fear As A Positive Emotion." Journal Of Aesthetics & Art Criticism 70.4 (2012): 383-392. Academic Search Complete. Web. 23 Jan. 2014. Sawahata, Yasuhito, et al. "Decoding Humor Experiences From Brain Activity Of People Viewing Comedy Movies." Plos ONE 8.12 (2013): 1-9. Academic Search Complete. Web. 23 Jan. 2014.
I have provided a clear evaluation of his essay in an organized way using the appropriate standards of evaluation. In understanding why humans “Crave Horror Movies” even when some people get nightmares after watching them we find the importance of our emotions and fears. We find those emotions and fears form a body of their own which needs to be maintained properly in order to remain healthy. We see how emotions can be controlled though viewing horror movies. Stephen King’s “Why We Crave Horror Movies” is a well written essay with convincing analogies, comparisons, and urban humor.
Some would say watching horror movies and being scared out of your wits is a fun way to spend their hard earned money. They go see these movies on average once a week, each time choosing a newer version of a trilogy like “Chucky” or “The evil Dead”. Film making has come a long way over the last few decades, the graphic...
The article Why We Crave Horror Movies by Stephen King distinguishes why we truly do crave horror movies. Stephen King goes into depth on the many reasons on why we, as humans, find horror movies intriguing and how we all have some sort of insanity within us. He does this by using different rhetorical techniques and appealing to the audience through ways such as experience, emotion and logic. Apart from that he also relates a numerous amount of aspects on why we crave horror movies to our lives. Throughout this essay I will be evaluating the authors arguments and points on why society finds horror movies so desirable and captivating.
It is a common mis-conception that films are merely entertainment, and serve no other purpose than to provide for the viewer a two-hour escape from reality. This is a serious under-estimation of the power, purpose, and potential of film, because film, upon reflection, revea...
Film scholars around the world agree that all genres of film are part of the “genre cycle”. This cycle contains four different stages that a specific genre goes through. These stages are: primitive, classic, revisionist, and parody. Each stage that the genre goes through brings something different to that genre’s meaning and what the audience expects. I believe that looking at the horror genre will be the most beneficial since it has clearly gone through each stage.
Modern day horror films are very different from the first horror films which date back to the late nineteenth century, but the goal of shocking the audience is still the same. Over the course of its existence, the horror industry has had to innovate new ways to keep its viewers on the edge of their seats. Horror films are frightening films created solely to ignite anxiety and panic within the viewers. Dread and alarm summon deep fears by captivating the audience with a shocking, terrifying, and unpredictable finale that leaves the viewer stunned. (Horror Films)
Williams juxtaposes the three genres together, to reveal similarities and differences, and, in turn, their similar and different desire effects on the audiences. Specifically, she points out the physical reaction of characters in the films, and how the audience members mimic them. Firstly, in regards to the physical body, Williams discusses the similar uncontrollable “convulsion or spasm,” that comes with the different genres; a body on the screen is “’beside itself’ with sexual pleasure, fear and terror, or overpowering sadness.” (729) Next, she dissects the sound of these bodily reactions – the overpowering moan, scream, or sob that the chara...
We all have cravings, be it for snacks or sweets, there is always something we desire. We crave horror in the same way. In Stephen King’s essay, “Why We Crave Horror Movies,” he argues that people need to watch horror films in order to release the negative emotions within us. King believes that people feel enjoyment while watching others be terrorized or killed in horror movies. King’s argument has elements that are both agreeable and disagreeable. On one hand he is acceptable when claiming we like the thrill and excitement that comes from watching horror movies; however, his views regarding that the fun comes from seeing others suffer cannot be agreed with because the human condition is not as immoral as he claims it to be.
The genre of horror when associated to film, it reflects on a vast variety of issues but when examined for the cultural significance it is narrower to what the aim is. This review surveys multiple scholarly sources from different aspects of the purpose of horror films. This literature review justifies that horror is derived from the fear and guilt within our psychological minds. I will argue that the cultural significance of this genre relates back to the emotional appeals that are conjured up when viewing these films.
Within the genre of horror films falls the sub-genre of teen slasher/stalker films. These teen slasher/stalker films take the horror genre film characteristics into account, however they add more to the formula. More violence, sadism, brutality, and graphic blood and gore are used to increase the terror factor. Sexuality and gratuitous nudity are also key characteristic of many of these films. Imitations and numerous sequels are also a common characteristic of teen slasher/stalker films as well.
Horror movies attempt to make the audience experience fear, dread, disgust or terror. The plots often involve the supernatural and fantasy world giving the audience the reassurance that what is being seen is not truly existing. Horror movie plots are often than not, predictable. Horror movies will show gruesome and graphic violence. Many times, this will include close up shots of horrifying deaths and relentless tortures in an attempt to compel an audience to express emotions such as disgust and fright. Also, the way horror movies are promoted and advertised is a difference. In trailers and movie covers the backgrounds are often red or a dark color as such. It suggests danger and advocates violence. A horror movie is scarier in that exact moment and
Almost everyone has a favorite genre of film, but how everyone defines their favorite genre can differ greatly. Horror is one of the genres where its definition can be perceived differently by many people. Like all other genres, horror does have rules and traditions that must be included in order for a film to be considered a horror film. These rules and traditions include a protagonist, an antagonist, an escape or escape attempt of some sort, and very influential audio and visual effects.
As the technology for moving pictures has developed over time, the film industry has grown in popularity. One part of the film industry that has increased dramatically, is horror. The intent of a horror film is to induce a sense of spine chilling fear and gut wrenching grotesque feelings, to provide a cathartic release of tension. However, it does just the opposite. Even though horror movies help develop peoples problem solving skills, people should refrain from watching horror movies, because horror movies create a false sense of reality. This provides for an increased feeling of paranoia, which may lead to insomnia, thus negatively impacting the health of the viewer.
In society today, there are thousands of genres in the world that can be used in a plethora of ways. Probably the most common and most popular genres in this current generation are horror and comedy. These genres are found at the opposite end of the spectrum but it is not rare to see them side by side in movie theaters or even some libraries. Horror and comedy are known for their fictitious storylines along with some semblance of a lesson to be learned. Although in most cases lessons that are taught in horror films or novels are more likely to stick then in a comedy situation.
Many people go to the movies. The movies are an escape into a fantasy world. Everyone has a different preference on what kind of movie is the best. Romance, horror, action, and comedy are different types of movies. The kind of movie someone goes to see can give clues to what kind of person they are.