Blog Post #4 - Themes of Horror

 

 Introduction

    Horror movies have been a popular genre in film for decades, and they often explore common themes that tap into primal human fears and anxieties. Some of the most common themes found in horror movies include the fear of the unknown, the fear of death, and the fear of loss of control. This blog post will dive deeper into some of these themes in order to expand your knowledge of horror.

 

Fear of the Unknown

        One of the most prominent themes in horror movies is the fear of the unknown. This can include fear of the supernatural, such as ghosts or monsters, or fear of the unknown consequences of scientific experimentation, as in the case of Frankenstein or The Fly. This fear is often rooted in a sense of uncertainty and a lack of understanding about what may be lurking in the shadows or hiding just beyond our understanding. 

 

 Fear of Death

       Another common theme in horror movies is the fear of death. This can take many forms, from fear of being killed by a monster or serial killer to fear of dying in a disaster or apocalypse. This fear is often fueled by a sense of helplessness and a lack of control over one's own mortality. Film directors utilize this to the fullest potential since every human is arguably afraid of death.

 Fear of No Control

    The fear of loss of control is also a common theme in horror movies. This can include fear of being possessed by a demon or fear of being trapped in a situation from which there is no escape. The loss of control can also take more subtle forms, such as fear of being manipulated or controlled by another person or fear of being driven mad by the events occurring on screen. 

 

 Connection to My Project

    Overall, horror movies often tap into some of our most primal fears and anxieties, whether it be fear of the unknown, fear of death, or fear of loss of control. These themes help to create a sense of tension and suspense that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. Whether it's a classic monster movie or a psychological thriller, horror movies continue to be a popular and enduring genre because they speak to some of our most deeply held fears. I plan to use this to my advantage by incorporating some of these commonly used themes like the fear of the unknown and the fear of death into my project.