New Classics of the Horror Film Genre Essay - 3002 Words

Dracula. Frankenstein. Godzilla. These monsters no longer strike fear into the hearts of viewers as they once did. Formerly the villains of the classic monster movie, these relics, who now represent all that is archaic in horror film history. The monster movie of the past makes way for the thriller or slasher movie of the present, while the monster villain gives its role to the deranged, psychotic serial killer. Friday the 13th series, Nightmare on Elm Street, Copycat and Seven have become the new classics in the genre of the horror film. With films like The People Under the Stairs, Nightmare on Elm Street, and New Nightmare, Wes Craven has proven himself to be a master of the creation of modern horror films. With recent masterpiece†¦show more content†¦Liver alone?! When none of the others laugh, Stus smile fades and he remarks in an incredulous tone, Liver alone. It was a joke. While Stus friends may not be able to see past the jokes tactless nature to its humor, I laugh each time Isee the film again. Not only do the characters not take themselves seriously, they also dont take horror movies seriously. A day after the first murders take place, Sidney Prescott receives a cryptic phone call. However, she is not frightened because she believes the caller to be one of her own friends Randy, a movie lover, calling to harass her. The mysterious caller asks her why she doesnt like horror films and she replies, Whats the point? Theyre all the same: some stupid killer stalking some big-breasted girl who cant act and is always running up the stairs when she should be going out the front door. Its insulting. As an audience member, I realize that this skepticaland often accurateview of horror movies is a message directly from the films writer and director (Riptov 86). Later in the film, when Sidney suggests that the killer might still be on the loose, her best friend Tatem replies, Dont go there, Sid. Youre starting to sound like one of those Wes Carpenter flicks. As the audience, we get a laugh out of this statement because not only do we know that Tatem has misnamed Wes Craven, we also know this is aWes Craven flick. These scenes are like inside jokes for the viewers;Show MoreRelatedEvolution of Horror Essays1497 Words   |  6 Pages2013 The Evolution of Horror For centuries, stories of monsters, demons and other unholy abominations have brought fear to the hearts of audiences in commercially convenient doses. Noel Carroll, Ph.D., in his article â€Å"The Nature of Horror†, argues that the existence of monsters and supernatural entities alone do not define a horror novel or film â€Å"for monsters inhabit all sorts of stories, such as fairy tales, myths, and odysseys, that we are not wont to identify as horror† (Carroll). 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