When it comes to scary movies, students and faculty cringe at the new features while they still find the older films just as frightening. The variations in these movies manage to depict similar characteristics, which unavoidably will continue to haunt your dreams.
Suspense, thrill, music, unexpected surprises, realism; these are all contributing factors to a horror films success. Over the years, special effects, realistic aspects and that ever so creepy music have kept people at the edge of their seats and the box offices thoroughly satisfied.
The 1980 film, “The Shining” was inspired by the Stephen King novel and Stanley Kubrick’s screenplay. Categorized as a horror and thriller, many are captivated by its gothic horror. Sophomore English and communication major Vanessa Zeller said, “‘The Shining’ is a suspenseful thriller and still manages to knock my socks off.”
Another classic horror is “Alien.” Directed in 1979 by Ridley Scott, the movie incorporates a mixture of science fiction and horror. This film set the criteria for later films of the genre. “It was the greatest science fiction epic, keeping me exhausted and squirming throughout,” information science technology professor Patricia Lalli said.
Needless to say, the classics created a standard for the upcoming films of the current era. Recreations of older films have set the breakthrough to that apprehensive bliss that we crave. The 2006 version of “The Omen” dragged in over $16 million within its first weekend release.
“The characters and the music kept up with the ongoing suspense,” junior political science major Beau Nickerson said.The movie is R-rated for strong gruesome violence and language.
“SAW,” released in 2004, and “SAW II,” released in 2005, both take the time to unveil a serial killer named, “Jigsaw” on account of his unusual calling card. These two films are categorized as crimes, horrors, thrillers and mysteries administrating unexpected fear and brutality.
“It is so messed up, especially the mind games he has with people,” sophomore English and communications major Anna Scholl said. “SAW III” will be released Oct. 27 in theaters. In the words of “Jigsaw,” “let the games begin.”
With the epic of scary movies on the rise, some individuals choose not to partake in the featured films. Aside from personal interest, many have no desire to be scared. “I absolutely hate and refuse to watch scary movies,” senior elementary special education major Jenna Viggiano said.
With Halloween around the corner, superstitious individuals tend to link specific days such as Friday the 13th and Oct. 31 with bad luck, ghosts, haunting and the devil’s creation. However, others find these annual assumptions phony and a playful attempt to corrupt your fears.
The reality of these superstitions can only be predetermined by the perplexity of one’s thoughts. It is expected that these horror films will only continue to satisfy our fears and inescapably find a way to taunt our dreams.
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