Nightmares in Red, White, and Blue: The Evolution of the American Horror Film isn't a feature length horror film, but rather a documentary about what the horror genre means in America and to Americans, and how it has evolved over time. With interviews and commentary from John Carpenter, George A. Romero, and a handful of other horror film writers, producers, and directors, the film is basically a social and political history of the genre within the U.S. For me, this film, aiding as a sort of self induced psychotherapy, helped put some understanding to my strange obsession with horror. After all, I have nearly completed my 31 day journey and am still itching for more! After watching the documentary, I have only began to realize that there are several reasons why I love horror movies so much. It has less and less to do with psychopaths running around killing people (insert alternate plot here), and more to do with the metaphors and symbolism within the movies, which ultimately hint at real life fears and social concerns.
Horror movies give me an outlet to face my biggest fears without getting a scratch. They give me political and social insight. They give me inspirational and discouraging outlooks on human beings. Horror movies give viewers the opportunities to love and hate any aspect they choose, without external judgement. I can love that a womanizing jerk gets axed by an ex lover. I can hate that a serial killer can manipulate systems and go 30 years without retribution, and at the same time, love that the people at his mercy "get what they deserve".
In short, horror movies are just awesome! They are not just about killing and dying, in fact, that is rarely their main intention. Horror movies tell us something about ourselves, our culture, and current situations that often feel out of our control. I have a feeling that my journey is just starting.
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