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Writer's picturePurnima Chopra

Why are we afraid?

Horror movies have been around since the late 1800s. When we think of horror films specific genres may come to mind such as zombie movies, slasher films or psychological horror. Horror movies are able to encompass many different fear mongering tactics in movies to create an environment where the watcher is always on edge and waiting for the next shoe to drop. Why do some people love horror movies and others avoid them like the plague? Fear is an important emotion to be examined since it is one that is only exhibited in certain situations. Fear evokes a fight or flight response because of the boost in adrenaline and endorphins.


Horror films can have a certain appeal. When invoking a fear response, unconscious fears, desire, urges, and primeval archetypes can become apparent. These emotions can be easily awoken by horror films. This genre of film can allow the watcher to let go of the fears and anxieties that they might have had subconsciously when watching a horror movie by allowing for the viewer to face what they are truly afraid of through a visual scenario.

Horror films can also set up a redemption arc. This can allow for the villain of the horror movies to change their path and be good; In another scenario there is good versus evil and seeing the evil get defeated can be another factor that viewers will take into account when watching a movie.

Horror can invoke pleasure in a viewer even when fear is a big component. During the scariest part of the film the audience will have high anxiety and fear for what will happen next but when the hero prevails the enjoyment of that moment is even better.



When someone is watching a horror movie the psychological effects can also have physical effects, like causing the heart rate and blood pressure to spike. Muscles can get tense and the viewer may produce more sweat in response to what they are watching.

On the opposite end of the spectrum the positive feelings during and after the movie can also be enhanced. The relief and happiness can also be more profound, due to the extreme response of fear.

In research conducted by Thomas Straube a brain scan indicated that scary movies do not activate fear responses in the amygdala. It was actually the visual cortex which is responsible for processing visual information. Studies have also said that the hippocampus, which is a part of the brain that stores and retrieves memories, and the hypothalamus, which can activate the fight or flight response in a situation, can cause a ripple effect which then leads to fear.


Horror movies should be watched with caution and if someone is scared easily then having a safe environment is an important component to factor in. Horror movies can cause PTSD. This can be due to the events in the film which can trigger anxiety and make the viewer feel helpless or terrified. A viewer who may experience PTSD from a horror movie may avoid certain situations and places due to the fear that has been instilled. A horror movie in its pure form is meant to cause fear and hysteria so for many people this can be a frightening experience overall.


The genre of horror movies is very popular especially during autumn. The chilly weather and sometimes spooky noises from the trees can create the perfect setting to watch. Horror movies will attract an audience with the visuals and sound effects and use these techniques in combination to elicit a fearful response. There is a science behind the making of horror movies which is taken into account. There are certain aspects that will produce the response that the filmmakers desire. Horror movies are a very interesting dive into the human psyche which can explain many different human responses. Watch at your own risk, don't get too spooked!



Purnima Chopra


References:

Park, Michelle, "The Aesthetics and Psychology Behind Horror Films" (2018). Undergraduate Honors College Theses 2016-. 31. https://digitalcommons.liu.edu/post_honors_theses/31


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