Halloween is creeping around the corner, and I’m sure that we’re all looking for a bit of a fright. One of the most common ways we do this each year is through watching horror movies, but what about their gory, haunting, and even disturbing scenes keeps us coming back for more? As terrifying as the potential nightmares afterwards may be, watching these movies in the moment can be an unforgettable experience.
Both music and sound effects can play a huge role in stimulating nervousness and anticipation. The right combination of sounds can create tension and suspense, while other sounds can make the audience feel pleasure and happiness. In Psycho (1960), there is the unforgettable sound of screeching violins in the infamous shower scene. The string section was told to play the same note harder and faster, precisely capturing the horror on the screen. Additionally, horror movies often seem scarier to viewers because they are immersive to the point that you feel like you could be the next target. If you relate to the situation of the victim, then it seems more probable that you could get attacked next and adds to the atmosphere of the horror movie.
Horror movies are carefully crafted to keep the audience constantly on the edge of their seat. A movie might have a notable plot, but there is one thing that makes or breaks a horror movie: the jumpscares. A well-executed jumpscare is the unexpected reward after a long period of tension. They are meant to catch the audience off guard and spike their blood pressure for a few seconds. Jumpscares can trigger “fight or flight” mode, which releases dopamine and endorphins. The release of endorphins (stress hormones) also contributes to the feeling of delight after watching a scary movie.
So how does our faculty feel about horror movies? Mr. Tirado replied “I prefer comedies and action adventures. I don’t like being frazzled. I usually watch horror movies with my friends. We usually watch bad ones to laugh at.” He spoke about which elements truly frightened him and why: “Insidious (2010) is the scariest horror movie I’ve watched. It’s less about the demons and more about the jumpscares. I don’t like being surprised unless it’s a laugh.” HSMSE students also have their own unique experiences with horror movies. Lila Printz (‘27), who gets spooked quickly by these thrillers, said “I have never really been a fan of horror movies because I get scared pretty easily. They always make me nervous and when I go to sleep I’m thinking about what I saw and am worried about what’s going to happen to me.” She described her experience as a young girl watching Coraline (2009): “I was six or seven when I first watched a scary movie: it was Coraline. I had to stop it and watch it the next day because I was so scared. I told my friends how much it scared me and then we all watched it together. After Coraline I definitely had nightmares, but now when I watch horror movies I don’t.” She prefers watching them with the comfort of familiar faces around her. Lila also expressed her beliefs about how these movies deceive you: “I think they try to make situations that are believable enough that you can think about them happening to you, which makes it really scary.”
Despite horror movies not being his favorite genre, he still recognizes some are very well-made: “I like the Jordan Peele movies because they are very rooted in reality … Like Nightmare on Elm Street (1984). The idea that you can’t sleep—that’s genius. And Bird Box (2018), where they can’t see—that’s so smart. If they can make reality scary, that’s a good horror movie.” Mr. Tirado comments. Although many other movies frighten her, Lila Printz (‘27), believes the scariest one is The Quiet Place (2018), because “I just feel like I’m such a klutz so I always make noise and I know I would die there. I would relate to how the family feels because I would always be on edge about making noise.”
No matter how you feel about horror movies, here are some to check out this spooky season. These are some of the top choices from HSMSE students and faculty to watch this Halloween:
- Us (2019)
-
-
- A masterpiece written and directed by Jordan Peele. A family is haunted by masked killers who each turn out to have the exact appearance of one of them. It is different from other movies because it has puzzling elements that reveal themselves slowly while becoming more confusing. This movie will leave you with a lingering feeling of awe.
-
- A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
-
-
- This movie is a classic slasher film that has become a crowd favorite. Freddy Krueger, a spiteful soul, haunts teenagers in their dreams. It has advanced effects for its time and is a must-watch for anybody!
-
- A Quiet Place (2018)
-
-
- A spine-chilling thriller about a family who has to live in silence in order to avoid deadly creatures who are summoned by sound. It has an intense storyline and nail-biting suspense.
-
- Scream (1996)
-
- This movie is probably my favorite horror movie of them all. The jumpscares are perfect, it has amazing plot twists, and has a bit of comedy in it too. It has the perfect blend of suspenseful elements and captivating scenes that will keep the audience on the edge of their seat. I would definitely recommend watching this movie with friends or family. It will make for a perfect night of fun and spooky thrills.
Horror movies serve as an emotional release of built up fear and anxiety in our lives. Oftentimes, we also experience a sense of accomplishment after surviving the fright, keeping us eager for the next one and making us come back for more. Make sure to check out these films for a riveting night of spookiness. Happy Halloween!