Cinemusings

Let's take a moment here and step back. Put on our thinking caps and really do some serious thinking. Are you in that moment yet? If you are, let's carry on.

Why do we like horror films?

What about horror films make us fork over 10 bucks for every horror movie that comes out? Even if we know the film is going to be a piece of junk, the acting horrid, and the set-up not believable in the least. Horror films can get by with zero stars and zero production and make millions and millions of dollars. If people even hear the words "horror", you will get a group of teens and more racing to the cinema.

I go to the movies often. Not as often as I used to, but still quite often. If there is a new horror film out, you can bet your bottom dollar there is a sign saying "SOLD OUT." It does not matter if it is rated R or PG-13. You'll see high school folk with their cheerleader girlfriends ready to see the latest slasher and gore fest released. Most likely by Lions Gate Films. They seem to be horror crazy lately.

The teens are not the only ones who love horror films. You have your 22-30 age group of horror fans and they tend to be more creepy. I don't like to make stereotypes, but they are true in this case. They are the ones who want blood, blood, and more blood. These are the types who want heads off, breasts cut off, and as much gore as possible. If they don't get it, they are not pleased.

They are not shy about making their feelings known either.

The older group (40s and above) is not as into the horror films as the teens and 22-30 age group. They have seen it all before. They know the rules. Don't go into the basement. Don't be a babysitter alone in a big creepy house. Don't answer the phone. Been there, done that. They will roll their eyes and wait for the next Meryl Streep film.

Now that we know the audience, why do they like it? It is an honest question. The fact we are enjoying films that show destruction, blood, mayhem, and torture. Yet, we never take a look as to why we like these films.

I used to be a teenager not so long ago, so I can give a somewhat teen perspective. I remember just seeing trailers for horror films and being scared out of my mind. I couldn't handle it. If my older brother or sister would rent them, I would be in the other room with my door locked. In a strange sort of way, I liked that feeling. It was unpredictable, scary, and tense.

As teens and children we don't have too many worries. I remember my biggest concern being if Kelly in Math class liked me. Sadly, she did not. Parents pay for our bills, school, clothes, and food. We have a roof over our head and life is good. Unless of course the Math chick does not like you. Then you watch horror films and cheer when the horror hottie gets demolished as a way to vent your anger. Not that I have done this. I have just heard about people who have done this.

Horror allows us to be scared, fearful, and have something to worry about. Such as if the boogeyman is going to be under our bed when we get home. If we will be attacked in the shower. We feel something we would not normally feel. It's a different feeling, yet somewhat of a rush.

Now what about those 22-30 folks who love them and want as much violence as possible?

These are the types who have fallen on hard times. The period from high school to college did not work out as planned. The high school sweetheart dumped you, you failed out of a couple college classes, and the job market sucks. Parents are on your case often, friends have hot girlfriends, and you just can't get anything going. So when you see a horror film, you want a place to vent that rage.

You want to see stuff blown up, people ripped apart, and bloodshed. You can't do this in the real world, so you can live the experience through a horror film.

As stated above, people older then 30 and such are not your typical horror film fans. They have survived divorces, mean bosses, and probably some crippling illnesses. They are not scared anymore. They have lived it, survived it, and lived to tell about it. It is going to take more then a little horror film to scare them. They have seen some rough stuff.

Next time you see a horror film ask yourself why are you viewing this? You might be surprised.

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