Are Horror Films Actually Scary?

[Vampix]

Originally Posted by Make Them Die Slowly

"Salem's Lot" did it for me as a kid but as an adult I can't think of anything that has frightened me.

Yep, first time I saw Salem's Lot when it was broadcast on TV as a two parter scared me, it was that floating kid scratching at the window.I loved Reggie Nalder's Mr Barlow make-up job too, really unnerving.Other classic horror films that scared me on first viewing are: Black Christmas (1974), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978), The Changeling and The Evil Dead.

[Demdike@Cult Labs]

This will go over the heads of all the posters under 30, but some of a certain age will understand and may even agree.

Between the ages of 6 - 10, it was tv that really frightened me.

[bizarre_eye@Cult Labs]

I'm under 30, but I could probably name most of those episodes, Demdike - Classic Dr Who was so my better than the CBeebies poor excuse for what passes as Dr Who nowadays.

As for scary films, I can honestly say I've never been 'scared' by a film to date, mainly because even though I immerse myself into the story when viewing, I'm still aware it's only a movie. That's not to say that I don't find films eerie or creepy, but I've just never had a scary viewing experience.

The fact that I didn't get into watching any horror films until I was about 10, could probably explain my above statement, my viewing before then consisted mainly of cartoons, sci-fi and action films; I only really got into horror in a big way in my teens.

[Demdike@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by bizarre_eye@Cult Labs

I'm under 30, but I could probably name most of those episodes, Demdike - Classic Dr Who was so my better than the CBeebies poor excuse for what passes as Dr Who nowadays.

As for scary films, I can honestly say I've never been 'scared' by a film to date, mainly because even though I immerse myself into the story when viewing, I'm still aware it's only a movie. That's not to say that I don't find films eerie or creepy, but I've just never had a scary viewing experience.

The fact that I didn't get into watching any horror films until I was about 10, could probably explain my above statement, my viewing before then consisted mainly of cartoons, sci-fi and action films; I only really got into horror in a big way in my teens.

Is that how you counteract your fears - keep repeating- its only a movie, its only a movie.

Some good points made there though.

[Peter Neal]

Originally Posted by thehamish

it all depends on your ability to suspend belief surely.....i still find things that scare me whilst im watching them but, and this is purely me, the last film that creeped me out i.e. restless sleep etc. was (drum roll.....) The Blair Witch Project. ok its a rollicking mix of CH and Nuts in May, and may make people dismiss this missive out of hand, but cant help the way i feel. though St Johns Wort had same effect at the time, rewatching sadly diminished its impact...c'est la vie!!

I fully subscribe to that- except for in my case even repeated viewings haven't lessened the effect on me- I guess "Blairwitch" is one of those rare movies which really managed to touch upon a good couple of my subconscious fears

As a teen, "Absurd" really scared the lving hell out of me, though that was mainly due to George Eastman's threatening appearance and the unnervingly effective soundtrack.

As far as jump scares go, the bit in "Jaws" when Hooper is taking a dive only to be suddenly confronted with a pale faced body ALWAYS catches me off-guard- always!

[The Reaper Man@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by Demdike

Here we are in the year 2011, most video nasties are available uncut in the UK, grisly torture images are on view in practically every new horror release, all manner of creatures and demons can be created using computer effects.

BUT are horror films actually scary?

Have they ever been scary?

You can have your stomach turned, but are you actually frightened ?

Have we been desensitized to horror as the years have rolled by?

Have your say, which films scared you? if any, and give reasons, it may make others want to watch them.

Desensitized by all that 'Girly shit'?

Seriously,though-good thread Dem!

Last scary films I saw were Paranormal Activity and The Strangers.

Of course when you are younger,all the favourite horror films were FAR scarier,than when you're now longer in the tooth.

Films I still find scary,and these will no doubt be the culprits that terrified me when I was a pup are;
SALEM'S LOT
THE CHANGELING
And I'm struggling to think of any others......

What REALLY is scary,is that people HAVE been desensitized into thinking that Near Dark is a superior film to The Lost Boys.......

[Pete]

POLTERGEIST gives me the runs! Funny thing is I saw it several times as a kid and it never bothered me once but when I got older..



PRINCE OF DARKNESS gives me the chills aswell.

[bizarre_eye@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by Demdike

Is that how you counteract your fears - keep repeating- its only a movie, its only a movie.

Some good points made there though.

I've got it pasted to the top of every TV in the house as a permanent reminder in case I get scared!

[bizarre_eye@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by Reaper@Cult Labs

What REALLY is scary,is that people HAVE been desensitized into thinking that Near Dark is a superior film to The Lost Boys.......

Dunno what you're on about Reaps, I thought The Lost Boys was the prequel to Twilight...

[The Reaper Man@Cult Labs]

And I thought Near Dark was the eighties equivalent to tranquilizers....

However.....

This has been discussed before,but here's another 'Caramac inducing' 'film' from my childhood......