Reign of Terror

Today, horror is popular in both literature and film. Since its humble beginnings, horror was intended to bring fear as close to life as possible by attempting to realize the impossible. Horror has evolved in such a way that now audiences crave both supernatural elements and realism. As film and media evolved, the horror genre has also expanded its ranges and dynamics. Within “Horror” subgenres were created, such as sci-fi horror and suspense/thriller. From gothic literature to the parodies of…

Horror movies evoke fear, anxiety and terror, as they pump adrenaline through our bodies . This excites us, before letting us go into the safety that returns as the lights in the theatre rise and we are brought back into real life. The question to be asked however, is why do we see films that evoke such emotions. In other words, what purpose do these films serve in our lives. Stephen King (1982) in his essay, Why We Crave Horror Movies expresses that we put ourselves through the heart pumping…

Fear is incapacitating. It holds you back and it holds you down. The older you get the more fear you can hold but also the more you see and have to fear. When you come out of childhood you learn that the monsters you feared under the bed may not be there, but you learn that they lurk the streets and the halls of your life. You learn not only to fear monsters but also emotion, failure, change and loss. How does one learn to cope? how, after finding out that the earth is so terrifying,, do people…

The common elements and themes in Gothic Literature create unity amongst the genre to instil the emotions of fear, horror and suspense. The ways in which The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and The Woman in Black directed by James Watkins portray the themes of isolation and madness through elements such as context, symbolism and tone. How each text presents these themes is integral to the diverse perspectives which make Gothic literature popular. The emotions of fear, horror and…

Roots of Dystopia in Children of Men A film is a double-edged sword. Though capable of providing an escape from modern day society, a film is equally capable of jolting audiences out of their inaction by bringing them face to face with the consequences of their choices. Children of Men, directed by Alfonso Cuaron and released in 2006, is a classic example of the latter. The story is set in the year 2027 where women have lost the ability to conceive children. The story follows the protagonist…

Lloyd Owusu Professor Macfie November 9, 2017 Rus 313-01 Dr. Zhivago Literary Work and Film Comparison The juxtaposition of literature and film has forever haunted the entertainment industry. There is nothing that can replace delving into a novel and getting lost for hours, or rather going to a theatre and watching the pictures unfold on a screen. With a book, the picture in one’s imagination is entirely subject to what the author pens on the pages but with a movie, the story is portrayed…

Expertly Scaring the Readers:Hhow James and Jackson Make Hauntings Scary If The Babadook took place in a lively, brightly-colored house over several sunny afternoons, the effect would not have been scary - humorous or ironic, but not terrifying. Hauntings and other supernatural phenomenon depend on the environment they take place in just as much as they depend on the actual horrific event happening. In addition, the presence of other characters during the haunting can determine how…

Films are universally known to generalize individuals especially in relation to their gender. Though they contain different themes, movies follow a similar pattern; the beautiful, innocent woman is recused by an attractive, strong male. In Carol J. Clover’s article, “Her Body, Himself: Gender in the Slasher Film”, she explores a new emerging pattern in horror cinema where the woman herself becomes the hero. Clover’s purpose in writing her article is to help her audience become familiar with the…

The film being chosen is Inglourious Basterds (2009), a film directed by Quentin Tarantino. The movie was nominated for Best Achievement in Cinematography for Robert Richardson’s work as the photography director. Unfortunately, it did not win. (Inglourious Basterds (2009) Awards) The movie follows a French theatre owner and a special group of US soldiers in World War II who plot to assassinate Nazi officials. Besides Inglourious Basterds (2009), Quentin Tarantino is known for his other fast…

Grey’s Anatomy: A Superb Medical Drama Have you ever watched a television show that has made you laugh and cry in the same episode? Shows that can make you happy and sad can be considered as a drama genre. Most medical shows exaggerate and portray situations as if they would be impossible to relate to. Grey’s Anatomy is the opposite of any typical medical television show. Grey’s Anatomy is an excellent television drama because it features real life trauma scenes, romantic relationships among…