In defense of horror

I have often been asked how I can stand watching horror films. I guess that's a fair question given the violent nature of the genre — particularly lately — but I must admit I actually like horror films. In fact, while in college, I wrote a communication thesis paper on the evolution of slasher films. So I guess I will try to explain my fascination with the genre.

Horror is a staple genre. They are cheap to produce, aren't really character (and therefore performer) driven, and the story isn't that hard to manufacture. I do find it ironic that, according to the latest research, the primary audience for horror films are women age 16-34.

Horror films have also provided the start for many famous performers. Kevin Bacon, Johnny Depp, Jennifer Aniston, and Jamie Lee Curtis all got their start in horror films.

It is harder to defend modern horror films, which is one of the reasons why I think the genre is in trouble. Modern films have focused primarily on vicious human degradation and the level of violence in many modern films (including most of the re-makes) borders on pornographic. But that wasn't always the case.

In fact, in some ways slasher films in the 1970s and 1980s were morality tales. If a character engaged in reckless behavior (drinking and drug use) or had sex, they died. It was only the pure character that could overcome the superhuman evil monster that terrorized them.

That formula began to change in 1996 with "Scream," which not only served as a re-birth of slasher films but also put a twist on the familiar formula. That is why I consider "Scream" one of the most important films of that decade, not to mention one of the most entertaining. Unfortunately the second wave of the rebirth (films like "Hostel" and "Saw") have taken the genre to a much grimmer place.

Still, I think the appeal of horror films comes down to our desire to escape into films, and horror films provide just that. For a few hours you're on edge, watching heroes and heroines attempt to overcome evil and triumph, and usually the films deliver. But it's not for everyone.

Like all film genres, horror films have a certain appeal; it just depends on your taste as a viewer.

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