The beauty of horror
- Thomas Washburn Jr.
- Jan 28, 2017
- 2 min read
Each of us has a different outlook and reasoning when it comes to what scares us. For some, it’s all about monsters, demons, the supernatural and the fantastical. Others lean toward the truer to life atrocities that do or could happen. Some like vivid gore; some would rather let their imaginations fill in the horrific blanks. (In my opinion what we come up with in our own subconscious is often way more terrifying than what is described or shown.)
As horror fans, we share a certain kinship. If you run into someone else who likes the genre, you can find yourself quickly chatting away like old friends. You’ll find movies or books you have in common, and love. More often than not you’ll also end up giving each other recommendations on things to check out. It’s a strange bond that seems to bring us together no matter the different backgrounds we come from. I think in many ways it’s a phenomenon unique to the genre.
Maybe I’m biased because of my love of the genre but horror fans often seem to be some of the most down to earth and genuinely nice people I know. I think much of that has to do with the fact we intentionally face our fears and let ourselves be immersed in the things that scare us. It gives us a different perspective on things.
It has been a huge part of my life since I was twelve-years-old, one that has stuck with me and never left. My horror idols, people like Stephen King, Rich Hautala, Clive Barker, Tobe Hooper, George Romero, John Carpenter and Tom Savini have all inspired and influenced me in different ways to create. Masters of the craft who made works that stick with you forever. I may never get to that level or have an impact like them, but it’s something that I strive for, and I have them to thank for it.
A whole generation grew up being frightened by them during what many considered the ‘Golden Age’ of horror. Their impact is felt throughout the genre and will be for many years to come. I think in a lot of ways it is and will continue to be carried on by all those they’ve inspired.
Despite its darkness it inspires and unites generation after generation of fans, uniting them in a common interest. It passes that primal fear we all have on, giving all of us as fans something to relate to. That is the beauty about horror.
Comments