Submitted by Andrew Klass (@ShockorNot)
What movie scared you the most? For me, it's the release of The Roommate. No, it's not because the movie accomplished what it set out to do. What made The Roommate the absolutely, most terrifying film I've seen is the fact that this represents the awful state the horror genre is in. This movie is the perfect example of how horror is becoming an overplayed, tired and boring section of the film industry. Reusing themes, substituting gore and loud sudden noises for actual scares. When is the last time Hollywood produced a horror film that really got to you? What was the last horror movie that made you nervous to do certain things? That still had you thinking about it a day or two after you saw it? I would have to think long and hard about that question and that makes me weep for this wonderful genre.
Horror is a genre of film that pulls emotions and reactions out of the audience that the others can't. A good horror film makes you question the things around you. It makes you think twice about swimming at the beach, or taking a shower, or being alone. A truly good horror film leaves residual emotions and fear in you for days or sometimes years. Where have these types of films and filmmakers gone? Why did these mentalities die out with the filmmakers of old? Why is it so difficult for Hollywood to carry that flame? This needs to be fixed. The genre needs to be saved from permanently becoming this vicious cycle of recycled material and cheap scares.
A truly good film is a work of art. Good works of art push boundaries, explore new ideas, make the viewer think, and leave a lasting impression. The only impression a film like The Roommate left on me is one of sorrow for the life of horror films. A fire needs to be lit under the butt of the horror filmmakers of Hollywood. They need to find inspiration in something other than a large paycheck. They need to find the artist within and rekindle that passion that made them want to get into the business in the first place. This wonderful art form is suffering and we need to do all we can to keep it afloat and bring it back to the glory days. America used to be in the forefront of horror, but now its best horror films are remakes of amazing films from Sweden and France. They are even remaking good American horror films because they’ve run out of ideas. Or, in the case of Disturbia, are just blatantly ripping them off. In fact, Disturbia, was so similar to Rear Window, it led to a lawsuit struck up by the production company behind the Hitchcock classic. A well deserved lawsuit in my opinion.
At this point it’s the independent filmmakers that are the ones still keeping hope alive for us. Hollywood needs to dig deep, find their depraved creativity and get back to making us fear going to sleep at night with unique stories and genuine scares. I’ve never wanted to be scared more in my life, and I hope they do so fast. The life of this genre is fading, but it’s not over until the undead, fat lady sings.
Please join me on my quest to watch and review the world's most shocking horror films by visiting my blog (http://shockornot.blogspot.com) and leave your suggestions of what I should watch next!
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