CLEAN SLATE :: October 2011
On the first Friday of each month, Clean Slate will pose a question or two that involves the business and art of movies in Champaign, Urbana, and the cities beyond. “Comments” will remain open for three weeks, during which you can congenially respond and debate. Write us now if you have suggestions for future topics and until then, talk shop below! [All comments will be moderated. Opinions stated below are not necessarily shared or endorsed by C-U Blogfidential staff or writers.]
~ Jason Pankoke
CLEAN SLATE
October 2011
Question: What ingredients are necessary for a great horror movie?
Can you name some examples that transcend the genre in
its content, intelligence, or aesthetic/visceral sensibility?
.
For me, the key ingredient to a good horror film is a script that does not rely too heavily on gotcha scares–those moments when a hand reaches out from the darkness to grab the protagonist’s shoulder from behind, or when a character suddenly lunges into frame toward the protagonist. I’ve seen way too many horror movies in which this is the filmmaker’s sole scare tactic. I think these moments are fine in moderation, but the focus should be on creating an atmosphere of slowly building suspense and dread. Some of my favorites include “Alien,” “The Exorcist,” and “The Shining.” All three create worlds that are utterly convincing and drenched with dread. Viewers have a sense that anything might happen at any time.