Why Do You Do Horror?
Welcome to day 2 of the October Frights Blog Hop. Today is a combination review of the documentary Why Horror?, and a discussion on why some of us are so addicted to the horror genre.
If you haven’t seen it, here’s what Why Horror? is about:
“WHY Horror? is a feature length documentary following horror fan Tal Zimerman as he looks at the psychology of horror around the world in order to understand why we love to be scared. Horror is a global phenomenon. Millions of people love it, yet horror fans are often misunderstood. Tal Zimerman should know. He’s one of them. Tal goes on a journey around the world to understand why people thrive on on blood and guts found in movies, books and video games. He meets with the genre’s leading filmmakers, writers, actors and psychologists to discover how horror looks in different cultures, why it’s so popular and how it affects our minds. Tal wants to know – WHY Horror?”
I’ve watched this documentary twice, the second time while preparing to lead a discussion about horror at the RMFW Writers Conference. This documentary slants more toward film, but also provides valuable insight into the history of horror and horror writing.
I enjoyed this documentary because of Tal Zimerman’s personal connection to the subject matter. I could relate to all of his stories about growing up obsessed with horror. His perspective effectively leads into the question of why we feel a connection to the horrific.
There’s a plethora of commentary from some of the great contributors to the horror genre mixed with brain science and personal experiences with horror. This is not another dry documentary splattered with bloody film clips. It’s sort of reality TV meets informative content.
I really enjoyed this Why Horror? and highly suggest you give it a try. I give it a solid 4.5 out of 5. Use it as a source to put your annual Halloween movie viewing list together.
Why do I love horror? I’ve been a fan since the age of 4, when I watched my first horror movie, The Hand from Outer Space. I remember vividly watching this movie with wide eyes and realizing that a love of horror was built into my DNA. From that point on, I sought out greater and greater scares in both film and books.
Tal Zimmerman says, “Horror is more than a hobby, it’s a lifestyle.” and I can so relate to this statement. I believe that horror in fantasy is as Stephen King says, “…prep work for our own death or horrific demise.”
Fear is a part of who we are and a thing we can’t escape. But our fears bring us together, and the horror genre provides a place to confront our fears both personally and as a community.
Your turn…
Why do you love horror?
If you don’t love the genre, share why.
Leave comments and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win gift cards from the stores listed below:
1 $25 gift certificate you can use at Spencer’s or Spirits Halloween stores.
2 $10 Amazon gift cards you can use on anything.
GET YOUR FREE COPY OF Call for Obstruction on Amazon Tuesday thru Friday this week. Margery the Demon is watching! Don’t make her use her magical cigarettes on you. CLICK HERE TO GET IT
Now move on to the next author’s blog for more fun and giveaways.
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Please leave zombie movie suggestions in the comments.
I prefer movies rated below a 4 on IMDB.
