The time has come. The ghouls, the ghosts and the beasts abound. Seemed like the perfect time for a horror movie appreciation blog.
Horror movies have changed so much over the decades. Much of it, I believe, has to do with the introduction of color into the landscape. In some ways this was a good thing, but in others…….
Now an explanation
Before the introduction of color, we had films like Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Wolfman. Of course, these films had very limited “special effects”, makeup and the most rudimentary camera tricks. Yet, these films were quite Eerie. Even after the introduction of color into the genre, Horror gave us incredible films like The Fly, Psycho (Hitchcock opted for black and white) and my personal favorite Night of the Living Dead (“They’re coming for you, Barbara”) My oldest son is 10 and I would not dream of letting him watch any of these films. Nightmares would soon ensue. These films were based on an incredible story. I absolutely believe that they retain the “scare” factor despite the technical limitations of their age.
Then came an influx of color in horror films of the 70s and 80s. The Exorcist, The Omen, The Amityville Horror and Poltergeist were all terrifying, all great because the story was still the primary factor. Of course there were many flops, but there were enough that the genre was not in crisis. The effect capabilities were now better, but not a crutch rely upon to sell the film.
We even had films that eventually made fantastic use of color to enhance the story. In Se7en and Sleepy Hollow color was a tool for ambiance used very effectively.
Unfortunately these days the crutches are out. Color and effects are relied on too much. Color not relied upon to enhance, just shock. How much blood and gore can we put in here? The first Saw was very creative and macabre. Followed by SIX sequels. These were all about Shock Value and Gore. We now have FIVE Final Destinations. We don’t have enough 6th Sense. Hopefully some creativity will resurface, and I pray it is not in the home movie amateur footage style. Unfortunately, these days, if it’s decent, it’s probably a remake.