Monthly Wrap-Up | Jan. 2024 

Glad you enjoyed!

Agreed!

I’ve always loved The Exorcist and John Carpenter’s The Thing, among many others. I’ve been a lifelong horror fan, and I rarely am affected by the films in terms of scares. It’s not simply a manner of desensitization. When I watch a scary scene, my mind is so preoccupied with the creative process of making the film (script, direction, practical effects, etc.) that I can keep a wide emotional distance. I call my wife my “canary in the coal mine” because she lets me know when a movie is truly frightening. I’m attracted to horror because of the themes and creativity, and because it’s a genre that doesn’t condescend and isn’t asking to be liked. It’s willing to explore fears and trauma that other genres generally avoid. There’s a blunt authenticity to it that I love.

I’ve seen the Exorcist and that stuck with me for a long time. I think it was one of those movies that was really good at creating such an uncomfortable and creepy/bleak atmosphere. I’ve never seen The Thing, but have been intrigued. That’s so interesting that you are drawn more to the creative aspect as to the scares. With the few horror movies I’ve seen, I do enjoy looking up bloopers and behind-the-scenes, because it definitely takes the sting away for me. Lol. That’s great that your wife can be the voice of scariness for you when it comes to how it’s perceived by the general audience going into it for the joy of being scared. You’re definitely right in the idea that horror can “go there” in making us uncomfortable in a way that other genres may not. I never thought about it that way. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts, thank you!

I love it!