Insert Jaws theme here
I’ve decided to do it. The Host. Tonight. It’s about me and a giant Korean sea monster (and…a theater full of people, but never mind them).
Which brings us to the difference between monster movies and horror flicks–what makes a monster movie not a horror film? Is it the non-human status of the killer? I’m pretty sure some of Stephen King’s best-known villains aren’t human (Cujo), and they’re pretty horrific. Is it a lack of premeditation? Because some of the monsters out there seem pretty self-aware (”Land shark!“). I don’t think it’s a cinematography issue, because although there are certainly camera tricks associated with the horror genre, there’s nothing more monster-movie than a good old-fashioned “stalking” shot.
Having thought about this, I think the most likely answer is the human vs. non-human issue, even taking into account the non-human horror films out there. A person (someone who is essentially like us) leaving a wake of death and destruction is scarier–more psychologically disturbing–than a “creature,” something rare and unfamiliar. Even a human character without a solid motivation to kill is more frightening than a monster: monsters wreak havoc because it’s somehow in their nature, or perhaps for some practical reason (food, defense), but a person who kills without a motive is just plain hard to read. You could be next!
Further thoughts on The Host to follow.
May 25th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Thank You