Why Horror? is a thought-provoking documentary that delves into the appeal of horror movies and the reasons why people are so drawn to them. The film features interviews with prominent figures in the horror genre, including filmmakers, writers, and actors, as well as psychologists and other experts. From the opening moments of the film, it's clear that this is not going to be a typical horror documentary filled with jump scares and gore. Instead, Why Horror? seeks to examine the psychological and emotional factors that make horror such a popular genre. The film is narrated by horror aficionado Tal Zimerman, who acts as a guide through the various themes and ideas explored in the film.
One of the key ideas that emerges early on in the documentary is the notion that horror films allow us to confront our fears in a safe and controlled environment. Many of the interviewees talk about how horror movies give us a sense of catharsis, allowing us to release pent-up emotions and confront our deepest fears. As Alexandre Aja, one of the filmmakers interviewed in the documentary, puts it: "When you go through the experience of horror, you come out on the other side feeling kind of elevated."
Another major theme that emerges in the film is the idea that horror provides a space for exploring taboo or forbidden topics. Many horror films deal with issues such as death, sex, and violence in ways that are often considered socially unacceptable in other genres. As Chris Alexander, editor-in-chief of Fangoria magazine, comments: "Horror allows for a conversation about things that you can't really talk about in polite society."
The documentary also explores the role that horror has played in shaping our collective fears and anxieties. From the atomic age fears of the 1950s to the more recent proliferation of zombie movies, horror has always reflected the fears and concerns of the times in which it was produced. As Dave Alexander, a writer and editor for Rue Morgue magazine, notes: "Horror is always a response to something that's happening in society."
One of the most interesting aspects of Why Horror? is the way it delves into the psychology of fear and how horror movies use various techniques to evoke fear in the audience. The film features interviews with psychologists and other experts who discuss the concepts of suspense, tension, and adrenaline and how these elements contribute to the experience of watching a horror movie. As one expert notes, horror movies are "a rollercoaster ride for the mind."
Throughout the documentary, we hear from a diverse range of interviewees, from horror legends like John Carpenter and George A. Romero to up-and-coming filmmakers like Karyn Kusama and Eli Roth. The film also features interviews with horror actors like Robert Englund, who played Freddy Krueger in the Nightmare on Elm Street films, and Barbara Crampton, star of Re-Animator and From Beyond.
One of the most fascinating segments of the film features an experiment in which a group of horror fans have their physiological responses measured as they watch a horror film. The results of the experiment are surprising and show just how much horror can affect us on a physiological level.
Overall, Why Horror? is a fascinating and insightful exploration of the horror genre that will appeal to both horror fans and those who are more skeptical of the genre. The film provides a wealth of insights into why we are so drawn to horror movies and how they have become such an integral part of our cultural landscape. If you've ever wondered why people love horror, this documentary is a must-watch.
