By Natasha curry UNIT 25: FILM STUDIES FILM GENRE: HORROR

HORROR HISTORY the first horror films burrowed their ideas from gothic horror writers such as: Bram stoker and Edgar Allan Poe. As cinema developed the horror genre grew larger, with the German expressionists bringing us the silent era (1920’s-1930’s), which brought Germany into the International film industry. Over the years we have seen monsters (vampires, werewolves, 1930’s- 1940’s), murderers (Norman Bates, 1960’s), Ghosts and possession (The Exorcist, Poltergeist 1960’s-1970’s), Slashers (Freddy, Jason, Pinhead, 1980’s). The horror genre has come along way since its beginning and it continues to grow with 400+ films being produced each year. Between countless re-makes of classics to new and original stories such as Insidious. The Horror genre has since started to break into television, with shows such as Bates Motel, True Blood, The Walking Dead, American Horror Story and MTV’s upcoming adaptation of the Scream films. Theses shows have made the horror genre become more popular with a wide range of viewers, even with those who do not like the genre in film.

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SILENCE OF THE LAMBS SYNERGY In 1988 Author Thomas Harris released a book entitled ‘The silence of the lambs’ In 1991 following the popularity of the book Jonathan Demme directed the movie adaptation ‘The silence of the Lambs’ with Anthony Hopkins playing the role of Cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lector. In 2001 the movie ‘Hannibal’ was released with Anthony Hopkins reprising his role as the cannibalistic Mastermind saw the release of ‘Red Dragon’ the third film based around Hannibal lectors life. Anthony Hopkins reprising his role for the third time then saw the release of ‘Hannibal rising’ which was the prequel to ‘Red Dragon’, Hannibal rising stared Gaspard Ulliel playing a younger Hannibal. Due to the popularity of the books and films, in 2013 NBC launched the ‘Hannibal’ TV series, which follows the life of Will Graham and his oddly unique partnership with psychiatrist Hannibal Lector. Silence of The Lambs Trailer: Hannibal Trailer:

PSYCHO SYNERGY In 1959 the book ‘Psycho’ was published, Although not directly based on it the book was inspired by a murder case in Wisconsin. In 1960 the story was adapted into Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece of the same name with Anthony Perkins starring as Norman Bates saw the release of the sequel to psycho, which was titled ‘psycho 2’ was directed by Richard Franklin. The sequel takes place two decades after the original murders, with Anthony Perkins reprising his role as Norman Bates. Three years later in 1986 Anthony Perkins directed and stared in the third installment of the Psycho franchise titling the third film ‘Psycho 3’, this film was set a month after the events that had taken place in ‘Psycho 2’. In 1992 Innovation comic’s created a 3-issue comic book series titled ‘Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho’ In 2013 Following the success created by Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, A&E Launched the ‘Bates Motel’ TV series, which follows Norman Bates and His mother Norma, Hinting that everything that takes place in Norman’s life is the reason he becomes the now iconic Serial Killer. Psycho Trailer: Bates Motel Trailer:

HORROR AUDIENCES Statistically speaking the horror genre typically attracts a male audience of ages ranging between The horror genre is known for having many different effects on different audiences. It has been known to have been associated with the Hypodermic needle theory and having a passive “Copycat” audience, with copious murders being reported as being inspired/influenced by certain films.  in 1998 Rita Castillo was attacked and murdered in her apartment by her teenage son and nephew. The boys told authorities that they were inspired by Wes Craven’s ‘Scream’ and ‘Scream 2’, to commit the crime and that they had planned to buy a Grim reaper mask and voice distorter but they could not afford it.  In 1993 two ten year old boys, Robert Thompson and Jon Venables kidnapped and brutally murdered two year old James Bulger, They kidnapped him from a shopping mall and took him to a railway line were they beat and sexually assaulted the young boy, they left the boy’s mutilated body by the tracks to die. The boys later told authorities that they were inspired by the film ‘Child’s play 3’. These cases prove that films of this nature can indeed effect young impressionable minds in a bad way, Although none of these crimes have been legally linked to the films they mimic.

HORROR MERCHANDISING Horror Collectables are hugely popular worldwide with fans of the genre seeking out dolls, figures, t-shirts, etc.. To show their love for their favourite character/slasher. Companies such as Funko, Neca and Mezco have made it possible for collectors to own their favourite character as either a doll, figure or pop! Vinyl figure. The most popular doll seems to be the 15-inch chucky doll complete with his knife. Funko’s Pop! Vinyl figures are also proving to be hugely collectable worldwide, with Funko recently announcing the release of their new American Horror Story line.

By Natasha Curry UNIT 25: FILM STUDIES FILM GENRE: HORROR