Torture-Horror Films

[Dr. Nosophoros]

Torture has always been in horror films generally to some degree but not until recently has it been the main focus of the films itself. I have always loved horror, whether written fiction or on the big (or little screen), but I feel that this trend in mainstream horror movies to be a cheap attempt to shock through graphic depictions of torture to make up for shoddy storylines/filmmaking, it's a bit like relying on computer graphics/SFX to make up for the same, to me it just doesn't work.

I have no problem with torture in movies if it has some substance or decent storyline behind it, not just torture for the sake of it or perceived "shock" effect to carry the film, there are plenty of examples I could give (but I will give just a couple), there are quite a few outside the "horror" genre gangster films are one, who could forget the chainsaw scene in "Scarface" or the eye popping scene while Dogs head was in a vise in "Casino" (by the way, just two of my favorite movies) or the near ending of "Conquerer Worm" with Vincent Price, or Black Cat, the difference is the torture did not make or break the the film, it was a by product. Personally I will be glad when this current trend is over with, it's killing horror with it's simple mindedness.

What do you think?

 

[Guitar's Cry]

I agree with you. I enjoy the "terror" more than the "horror" in movies anyway. I think psychological suspense is far scarier than gruesomeness in films.

That, and the "college students traveling to Europe and/or the woods in order to party and get their friend, but are waylaid by horrible misfortune" plot is way overdone.

 

[Mister_T]

I feel that this trend in mainstream horror movies to be a cheap attempt to shock through graphic depictions of torture to make up for shoddy storylines/filmmaking, it's a bit like relying on computer graphics/SFX to make up for the same, to me it just doesn't work.

I agree.

I think back to when I was a kid back in the 80's. Movies like "American Werewolf In London" and "Fright Night" used to scare the crap out of me. Why? Because they looked scary and instilled fear in me without relying and ultra-gory bloodbaths. Movies like "The Blair Witch Project," which I thought was a great movie, scared people using the psychological.

 

[Dr. Nosophoros]

Thanks for the responses!
Personally, I feel it's a lack of imagination and creativity that is a by product of the pressure to "turn a buck" than create a well crafted product, but in a society where you buy it, it works for a while and you throw it away and buy another, it doesn't surprise me.

 

[Mister_T]

Thanks for the responses!
Personally, I feel it's a lack of imagination and creativity that is a by product of the pressure to "turn a buck" than create a well crafted product, but in a society where you buy it, it works for a while and you throw it away and buy another, it doesn't surprise me.

I've also noticed that almost every single horror movie that comes out nowdays uses the startle-you-till-you-poop-yourself technique....something that was introduced with the first "Scream" movie. I've rarely seen a movie without that element, ever since.

It is a technique that is way over used in my opinion.

 

[Dr. Nosophoros]

If it made money, they will use and abuse the "formulae" and suck the it to the very last drop, they are psychic vampires first, then monetary (because it goes hand in hand, got your mind, got your wallet) the question is how many will throw their necks to the "feeders"?

I expect more for my ten bucks.

 

[nutshell]

Since the good stuff isn't out right now, lets share our favorites and go rent them. Here are some of mine:

Candyman

Dead Ringers (not really horror, but close enough)

Carrie

Ginger Snaps

 

[MysticSang'ha]

Your list actually inspires me to talk about our least favorite horror movies, Nutshell. LOL

I'm not saying your list is bad - to be honest, that's a good list! *thumbs up for Candyman*, but the gripe mood has hit due to the recent shock-value mindset in today's films.

So, I just need to kvetch.

Here's one that I wasted money on: Blair Witch 2: Book of Shadows *gags*




Peace,
Mystic