What Is It About Horror?

Okay, I'm not sure if I want to make these tangents a regular thing, but seeing how the last one got more views than my web novel, the thing I actually do want people to read (please read it), I guess I'll keep it up.



So today I'm going to start with what I do best: make a blanket statement I don't fully understand the implications of. And since it's still October, I'll use this one: I've always thought that horror movies are very representative of movies in general. Think about it; you've got good ones (Session 9), you've got great ones (The Thing), you've classics (The Evil Dead), you've got a few outright masterpieces (The Shining). But at the end of the day, most of what's out there is total crap (do I really even need to list something here?). The sheer amount of total crap that Hollywood churns out, especially these days, tells you something about how smart they think we are (although granted, horror fans do usually get a bad rap), and the fact that said crap continues to make money just reinforces that belief (seriously, guys, the amount of people who saw Paranormal Activity 4 was not helping anyone). Also, horror is subjective; what scares you might not scare me. It's why both Saw and Blair Witch Project can be regarded as good movies, even though you might not like both or either. Do you see what I'm getting at?



So, Mr. Smart Guy, if horror is representative of movies, then why aren't more horror movies released? Because they have limited demographic appeal. Only certain people actually like horror movies, so they only make so much money, so studios only churn out a select amount, most of which suck.



But what can you do about it? Well, the same advice I give to people who want more good movies in general: only see the ones that are likely to be good, that gotten good reviews, that aren't superfluous sequels and remakes. Don't see Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones (I promise this isn't just a PA-bashing-fest, but come on; A., it's a horror movie coming out in January; B., it's the fifth installment in a franchise that jumped the shark; C., it's a spin-off; and D., if the trailer's anything to go by, it's got the exact same plot as an episode of Supernatural! These are called red flags, people! But I digress.). Only support what you genuinely want to see. Also, don't be one of those people who goes to see a movie, usually a remake, you know you're gonna hate just so you can say "well, I've seen it, and it sucks, so there". Hollywood doesn't interpret it that way. All they're gonna see is money that justifies the entire thing! Seriously, it's how Nickelback keeps selling albums!



Okay, long story short, don't totally disregard horror movies, there's more to them then you think; and if you want good horror movies, make Hollywood lose money underestimating the intelligence of audiences.



Happy Halloween everyone!

Also, go check out the rest of my portfolio!