The Evolution of Horror Films Essay - 1595 Words

A girl runs frantically through the woods trying to escape an axe wielding villain. The defenseless victim suddenly trips and collapses to the ground. The villain laughs wickedly as he lifts the axe above his head. The girl releases a final scream as the weapon quickly ends her life, causing the audience to go silent as they watch the villain drag away the lifeless body. Death, blood, guts, suspense, screaming, and terror are all just a few things to expect when watching a modern day horror film. What is horror? Horror can be defined as an intense feeling of fear, shock, or disgust. (Wilson) The description of horror is not very pleasant, but for some reason horror films are extremely popular. Why is this so? People are addicted to the†¦show more content†¦This film featured Mephistopheles summoning ghosts and demons, and it contained a crucifix to banish evil. (Horror Films) Both of these creations helped inspire the basis of future horror movies. Silent horror films cont inued throughout the early 20th century. Some of the most famous horror films of this era included; The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1919), The Golem (1920), and Nosferatu (1920). These films feature a mad doctor, a vampire, and a monster that is never seen. (Wilson) These monsters were some of the very first to be introduced to horror but certainly not the last. In 1928 ground-breaking technology made it possible for movies to have sound. This revolutionized horror films because sound gave an extra dimension to terror. Noise built suspense and signaled the presence of a threat. (Wilson) Instead of a monster suddenly making an appearance without warning, music would signal that they were near. Growls, Snarls, footsteps, and screams allowed the audience members to feel like the victims of the movie. â€Å"By the early 1930s, horror entered into its classic phase in Hollywood - the true Dracula and Frankenstein Eras.† (Horror Films) The original Dracula was released in 1931. Dracul a was a five hundred year old vampire was that was very frightening to early audiences. This undead villain entranced and charmed his victims with his veracity.†(Horror Films) The 1930’s also brought the first productionShow MoreRelatedEvolution of Horror Essays1497 Words   |  6 PagesApril 2013 The Evolution of Horror For centuries, stories of monsters, demons and other unholy abominations have brought fear to the hearts of audiences in commercially convenient doses. 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