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The Impact of the World on Enjoying Horror Movies

2024-11-27

I've always been a die-hard fan of cinema, from the works of James Cameron to the Marx Brothers. For years, horror was my absolute favorite genre. Whether it was for a late-night screening, a night in, or having friends over, horror was always there. But in 2011, everything changed with the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War. The images and stories that emerged were heart-wrenching, and it made me realize the true privilege of being able to enjoy horror movies.

The Shift in Perspective

After that, the thrill of horror movies was gone. I realized that while we watched people being tortured and slaughtered on screen, real-life atrocities were happening around the world. This awareness changed the way we watched horror movies. Our screening lineup became more diverse, with more non-horror content. Many of my colleagues and friends also experienced a similar turning point. We still love horror movies, but we see them through a different lens.

Compartmentalization and Refuge

Some people believe that this change is a sign of maturity, but I think it's more about how we compartmentalize what we watch. For some, horror movies provide a refuge from the outside world. They immerse themselves in a fantasy world of movies and merchandise to cope with the chaos around them. But this doesn't mean that we forget about the real world. In fact, it makes us more aware of the atrocities happening and appreciate what we have.

The Taboo of Discussing World Events

In the horror community, there is a taboo about discussing world events. Many horror fans prefer to keep their icons in the industry un-pc and apolitical. But as we become more aware of the real world, it's important to have these conversations. John Carpenter, for example, is very outspoken about the evils of capitalism and racism. We should be able to discuss these issues and learn from them.

The Weakening of Mystery

The restoration and remastering of older horror movies have removed some of the mystery that used to entice us. While these efforts are great, they also make the movies less special. At the same time, the endless stream of memes on social media has diluted the impact of these iconic films. We need to find a balance between enjoying the nostalgia and staying connected to the real world.

Fresh Talent and New Films

Thankfully, there are still fresh talent and new films that provide a welcome counterbalance. These films are often more aware of the world around us and don't feel tone-deaf. The variety of the horror genre means that there is something for everyone, no matter what their mood or interests are.

Continuing to Love Horror

In the end, no matter how dark the world becomes, I will never turn my back on horror movies. I make horror films myself and continue to be inspired by the genre. Every October, I still enjoy screening older and newer horror movies. It's a time to connect with the genre and remember why we love it.