HORRORLUTION

- Each generation gets the horror film it deserves -

Think of the greatest horror imaginable. Is it a monster? A ghost in the darkness? A lethal epidemic? Or is it the fear of the unknown, or being murdered by someone who should love you? Ultimately, this site will examine what is at the heart of the 'horror', as its evolved over decades. The evolution of popular conventions, such as lighting, camera angles narratives, and audio in this genre will be examined. The films Diabolique (1955), The Shining (1980) and The Ring (2001) will be compared and contrasted, as popular conventions within these decades are found to be somewhat similar yet progressive. By the use of popular conventions within the horror genre and the thematic elements, directors are able to bring out ones own deepest and darkest fears that emotionally exploit the viewer creating terror and fear in their mind.

Ironically, horror films are designed to frighten and invoke ones inmost fears, often as a result of a terrifying and shocking finale, while captivating and entertaining us at the same time. They tend to focus, primarily, however, on our subconscious fears of the time. Regardless of how horrific the film may be, it is evident that directors and producers tend to create films which represent social mishaps and underlying issues of the time. These films are centered around our present fears, as well as those in the past and in the future. This social notion will be explored in the genre theory section, in combination with the strategic use of popular conventions, as its underlying components create what it is today: a terrifying, yet captivating genre. An overview of the three films to be analyzed will help unravel what exactly is being documented, specific to each decade.

When you are ready, enter the horror that is the most terrifying genre to date.

Enter the horror of Diabolique

Enter the horror of The Shining

Enter the horror of The Ring

 

Kristina Gold
Communications Studies & Psychology Student