Modern Horror Films and “Shock Value”
Horror films have always had a special place in the film industry. While all horror movies may not have been a horrifying experience, the really good ones, such as Psycho (1960), The Shining (1980), and The Omen (1976), have left a lasting impression. Horror films are fascinating to watch because they create a sense of suspense and thrill and have jump scares. Such jump scares usually lend the shock value needed to keep the audience engaged in horror films.
So, what exactly gives you shock value? It is anything – a picture, a piece of writing, a particular scene in a movie, song lyrics, or actions like publicly executing someone – that elicits horror, fear, disgust, anger, or any strongly negative emotion. To put it simply, it is something that makes you jump up and scream or go numb with fear.
The Conjuring (2013) is an example of a horror film with tremendous shock value. Believed to be a true story, it gathered a significant following very quickly. On the other hand, it may have “shocked” some people to the extent that they needed urgent medical attention in the middle of the movie’s screening. The movie franchise is said to have made over US$2 billion around the world.
The horror movies of the 60s and 70s would have a tough time holding up against modern horror movies. The older movies were about haunted houses, barns, and vampires andx crazy-looking monsters. That is no longer the case. Attempts to make them more realistic have driven film makers to take a random subject and add tremendous shock value to it. In addition to this, the build-up, storytelling, and on-screen execution make for an almost flawless plot. M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense (1999) is an example of a brilliantly executed plot.
Horror movies are no longer just stories that scare you only when you watch them. Modern horror movies stay with you. The shock value isn’t as much in the appearance of an apparition or a ghost but rather a feeling that something is lurking anywhere, even right behind you as you read this. In other words, modern horror film makers take pride in executing plots that instil a lingering sense of fear.
Classic horror films depicted scary-looking ghosts and spirits. It was obvious that someone possessed by an evil spirit was meant to be scary, which sedated their effect.
Nowadays, the shock value lies in the fact that a next-door neighbour or the friendly mailman could turn into something unimaginably dark and scary. In movies today, there is eloquent characterization where the seemingly ordinary characters have a deeper, darker background. You often end up finding a strange connection with the antagonist, even develop empathy, and then it all goes down south.
Modern horror films have unpredictable plots, which, with the help of special effect,s can make the most ordinary of things extremely scary. Watching a horror movie nowadays can be a very powerful experience. Indeed, the horror genre has evolved and offers innumerable themes that can scare the audience. So, what is it that will scare you next?
FAQs
- Name a few modern horror films.
A few modern horror films are The Conjuring, Annabelle, Freaky, The Fear Street Trilogy, The Others, Sinister, Ready or Not, and Doctor Sleep.
- What makes a good horror film?
There are a lot of factors that make a great horror film, such as, characters who suddenly disappear, a lurking menace that keeps appearing unexpectedly, ominous music, surprise events, suspense and an open-ended climax.
- Is it necessary for a horror film to have a story?
Yes, every movie should have a story, and a horror film is no exception. Without a story, any movie would be boring.
- Which horror film made the most money?
The movie It (2017) made over $700.4 million worldwide. It is ranked as the highest-grossing horror film on release.
- What are some techniques used in horror scenes?
Distorting images through less light exposure, using shadows, harsh lighting, sudden loud music, etc., are some techniques used to create tension and fear among the audience.
