Whether popular films such as Conjuring, Halloween or Scream - horror films are becoming more and more popular every year. The beginning of this widespread popularity started as early as 1913 with the creation of the first major horror movie in Germany, "The Student of Prague".1 Over the decades, there was an abrupt development in the film industry. Horror films were no longer designed solely to shock their viewers, but rather to terrify them through the use of effects. This development continues to this day, with scenes and storylines based on making them as realistic as possible. In view of this fact, obscene and at the same time provocative depictions have emerged without any form of morality or sense of guilt.2 Thus, the sole purpose of cinematic horror is to maintain the taboo.3 The reason why we as humans feel a desire to be creeped out, to be afraid or even to indulge in fear has been the subject of clear attempts to clarify for some time. Many who deal with this question assume that the main cause is the effect that is based on the reaction to what is shown. However, evolution and our role at that time also represent an important point. This seminar paper will attempt to find an answer and thus a reason for the far-reaching popularity of the horror genre. In addition, the dangers of realism in today's film industry will be explained. Various perspectives, approaches and theories will serve as a methodology to clarify the aforementioned questions. In order to convey a general understanding of exactly what aspects the genre of horror contains, it is important to go into the scenic methods it claims for itself and to show the versatility of the mode of representation. Subsequently, as an introductory part to the main question of this elaboration, an attempt is made to establish a definition of fear. Various approaches to the question of why people love to be afraid are then presented. In addition, the consequences that go hand in hand with the brutality and realism of the portrayal are presented. Finally, the insights gained from the seminar paper are evaluated and briefly summarized.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Definition of horror
2.1 Characteristics of the horror genre
2.2 Differentiation from other genres
2.3 Subgenres
2.4 Design options
3 The psychology of fear
3.1 Attempts to explain why people love to fear
3.1.1 Biological view
3.1.2 Admiration of suffering
4 Possible consequences
5 Conclusion
6 Bibliography
Objectives and Themes
This academic paper explores the cultural and psychological reasons behind the enduring popularity of the horror film genre. It investigates why human beings derive a sense of pleasure or fascination from fear, while simultaneously examining the potential negative psychological impacts caused by exposure to extreme realism and brutality in modern cinematic portrayals.
- The evolution of the horror genre from early 20th-century origins to modern cinema.
- Psychological and biological explanations for the "pleasure in fear," including the role of endorphins and adrenaline.
- The influence of societal taboos and the innate human curiosity toward dark, forbidden, and immoral subjects.
- The impact of realistic violence and special effects on viewer perception and social development in minors.
- The development of anxiety disorders and phobias linked to the consumption of horrific content.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 Characteristics of the horror genre
A precise characterization of the horror genre is relatively problematic. Firstly, the horror genre tends not to draw clear boundaries with other genres. Other genres such as comedy, science fiction or even animated films with well-known childhood heroes are often mixed with the actual genre of horror, creating special characteristics that are individually adapted to the film. Secondly, the genre proves to be enormously diverse due to the many different genre blends. Over the years, so-called sub-genres have emerged, which can be clearly distinguished from one another in their execution. Thirdly, it proves to be extremely difficult to view the genre rationally due to its diversity, as horror is based on different elements. The emotional states of the viewer depend on how real what is shown appears and on which bases the fear of each individual is built. People who do not believe in the existence of ghosts, for example, will therefore hardly be afraid of supranational events.
Fourthly, it is subject to constant development through political, economic, social and cultural changes in society. It questions taboo subjects, artistically depicts social weaknesses and penetrates further and further into what is frowned upon. This unites people's millennia-long fascination with horror, chills and scares. In 1979, when James Cameron's film "Alien" first appeared on the big screen, the population was disturbed and even disgusted by the effects and frightened by the idea that the alien life forms shown could be real. Nowadays, there is little or no shock to humanity, especially well-known films such as "Saw" or "Terrifier" exhibit this, as they are mainly designed to depict increasingly real-looking scenes of violence. Over the years, these scenes have been produced to a level where they can hardly be distinguished from the real thing.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Provides an overview of the genesis of horror cinema and states the research goal regarding the genre's popularity and potential dangers.
2 Definition of horror: Traces the etymological and historical roots of horror, from ancient superstitions and myths to romantic literature.
2.1 Characteristics of the horror genre: Discusses the diversity of horror sub-genres and the impact of evolving special effects on viewer experience.
2.2 Differentiation from other genres: Analyzes the conceptual and visual boundaries between horror, fantasy, and psychological thrillers.
2.3 Subgenres: Categorizes various horror subsets like slasher, paranormal, and psychological horror based on their staging and intent.
2.4 Design options: Explores the technical aspects of filmmaking—such as sound, color, and pacing—used to manipulate audience emotions.
3 The psychology of fear: Examines fear as an evolutionary defense mechanism and defines its biological manifestation.
3.1 Attempts to explain why people love to fear: Investigates why viewers seek out forbidden and repulsive content through the lens of curiosity and taboo.
3.1.1 Biological view: Focuses on the limbic system's response to fictitious threat, highlighting the role of endorphin release.
3.1.2 Admiration of suffering: Connects the fascination with violence to an evolutionary desire for justice and the comprehension of the inexplicable.
4 Possible consequences: Details the clinical risks of long-term exposure to horror, specifically anxiety disorders and phobias.
5 Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, concluding that horror functions as a safe outlet for exploring taboo while cautioning against real-world psychological impacts.
6 Bibliography: Lists the academic and secondary sources used in the paper.
Keywords
Horror, Cinema, Psychology, Fear, Taboo, Anxiety, Violence, Endorphins, Sub-genres, Phobias, Evolution, Realism, Aesthetics, Desensitization, Moral Curiosity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper examines the philosophical and psychological foundations of the horror genre and identifies the reasons for its widespread popular appeal.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Central themes include the evolution of horror media, the human biological response to fear, the fascination with societal taboos, and the potential negative effects of media-induced trauma.
What is the primary goal or research question?
The study aims to explain why human beings actively seek out experiences that cause fear and assesses the potential risks linked to the realism and brutality of modern horror cinema.
Which scientific methods were used in this work?
The paper utilizes a qualitative methodology, drawing upon established theories from film analysis, evolutionary biology, and psychology to interpret the genre's influence on audiences.
What is covered in the main section of the paper?
The main sections cover the definition of the horror genre, the technical design of films, a psychological breakdown of fear, and the societal implications of consuming violent content.
Which keywords best characterize the research?
Key terms include horror, psychology, fear, taboo, violence, anxiety, endorphins, and media influence.
How does the author explain the "pleasure" in feeling afraid?
The author argues that the limbic system cannot fully distinguish between real and fictitious danger, leading to a surge of endorphins which produces a pain-relieving, intoxicating effect in the viewer.
What relationship does the paper establish between horror and justice?
The paper suggests that audiences are drawn to violent horror because it often mirrors a primal desire to see "evil" punished, a concept rooted in both historical storytelling and fairy tales.
Does the paper suggest horror is harmful?
It presents a balanced view, acknowledging that while horror provides an emotional outlet, chronic exposure—especially in younger audiences—may contribute to the development of specific phobias and anxiety disorders.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2023, Cruelty and obscenity. Why people love to be afraid, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1442758
