The Horror Film World
Horror movie
nerds all over the world constantly argue about what makes a successful horror
film. They debate about plot lines,
special effects, and casting. These film
fanatics may have different views on what is successful and what is
garbage. However, they all have one
thing in common. These super nerds are
literate in the horror movie genre, which means they know their history and
they know what is current. Furthermore,
they can critically think and compare films in an educated manner rather than
stating a loose opinion without any real evidence to support that opinion. True horror fans also associate them selves
in the convention life because it provides a physical sense of community.
Know the
freaking history! The horror genre is an
ancient craft that has been around for decades.
To be truly literate in this field, one must discover the roots of the
production of horror filmmaking. There is
no question that there is a tremendous difference between silent films such as
F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu (1922) and
1990s teen horror such as Wes Craven’s Scream
(1996). There is an obvious difference due
to advancement in technology and shifts in society.(Nosferatumovie.com) As a horror fan, it is important to go
through the journey from the beginning to present and witness how the craft has
evolved and how current directors and writers have been inspired by those from
the past. This does not mean it is
mandatory to view every horror movie ever made.
However, it is crucial to grasp the general concept of the history of
the horror film genre. Currently, there
has been a massive amount of debate about the remake of Stephen King’s Carrie (1976). Now, remember, it does not matter if a fan
agrees or disagrees with filmmakers tampering with the original. What matters is if a literate fan can
announce their opinion with historical evidence to support their stance. On my message board I created a post that addressed
the remake of Carrie. I opened up the issue for anyone to comment
too see what my fellow fans thought of the matter. In just a couple days I received sixty-four
comments, and there was not one comment that was not supported by some sort of
educational evidence because everyone who participates on this particular forum
is a true literate horror fanatic due to their historical knowledge. For example, here is an excerpt of a comment
I received from user KennyThaKilla
“I think there should be a rule that
all film makers should have to abide by: only remake a movie if you intend to
improve upon it, if it’s even possible to do so. Movies like The Fly, The Thing, and Invasion of the Body Snatchers were all
made from original films that were great for their time, but as cinema and time
progressed, became antiquated and had so much potential to be done better. That should be the criteria for embarking on
a remake.” (KennyThaKilla horrormoviefans.com)
I think Kenny has an excellent point, and I must say I agree
with his statement. However, the fact
that I agree with him is not why I respect him as a literate horror movie
fan. I respect him because he used prior
historical knowledge to convey his opinion in an educated manner. I think it’s safe to say that Kenny knows his
freaking history.
Along with
understanding the history of horror, it is essential to stay up to date with
the current developments and present movies that are being released. Most of the time these are films that come
out in the regular movie theaters, but a true fan does not neglect the indie
horror film production companies that release films online. The online films are very low budget and may
seem silly, however Attack of the Vegan
Zombies (2012) was quite a success. (bloody-disgusting.com) The main way a fan can make sure they know
what is going on in the present in the horror movie world is checking multiple
horror genre news blogs daily. I
personally check two particular news blogs everyday, and that is enough to keep
me informed because most of the blogs post the same news. Viewing news blogs is the quickest and
easiest way for a horror movie fan to stay in the know so that they are able to
discuss the current news on message boards, forums, and with friends. Through these blogs, a fan can educate them
selves on what particular films have launched production and when it will be
released.
After
brushing up on the history and knowing what is current, a literate fan can
enjoy the experience of going to a horror film convention. The conventions act as a “Mecca” to a fan. Fans travel to one spot to visit actors,
directors, writers, and costume designers.
They view merchandise they can add to their collection. In my opinion it is not vital to dress up to
go to these events, but it is sure enthralling to people watch and appreciate
those who come in costume. Most fans
deck them selves out in zombie attire or vampire wear. It doesn’t matter what time of year a
convention takes place, because it still feels like Halloween. I think conventions are the heart and the
soul of what it means to be a literate horror fanatic. These events are easy to discover because
they are always posted on fan websites months in advance. The latest one I attended in November was the
famous Horror Hound Convention. I was
lucky enough to meet the cast of Pet
Semetary, the original Pin Head, John Saxon, and Ernie Hudson. The energy is high, and everyone has a smile
on their face as they wait in line to meet their heroes. The space is always crowded shoulder to
shoulder, and fans are lugging around their autographs and merchandise such as
t-shirts, jewelry, and art. The best
thing about conventions it that it gives a physical sense of community. Fans can meet other fans and discuss their
opinion of current issues or reminisce with each other over the classics. It is truly an amazing sight.
Literate
Horror fans are like family in that they communicate with each other online
daily and respect each other even though they might not always agree. One is literate when the historical knowledge
is at least somewhat understood and respected, and when it is obvious they know
the current developments and news in the horror world. However, fans are truly literate when they
can take that knowledge and apply it to conversation either online or at an event
such as a convention. I am not here to
say that if one lacks these qualities they cannot still enjoy the horror
genre. The genre can still be very much
enjoyed, but I would not consider them a fluent literate horror fan. Horror
film fans may be considered a little nerdy because they educate them selves in
the subject on a daily basis. However, This is a practice that one must do to
become literate in any subject matter.
References:
Bloody-disgusting.com
Horrormoviefans.com
Nosferatumovie.com
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