thread: 2010-11-03 : Horror Flick Pies
On 2010-11-03, Vincent wrote:
Here's my favorite chart! I think this is pretty interesting. Each of these flicks has its horrific element. Why? What does it do?
Instrument of clarity: The horrific element lays bare the matter underneath, exposes the underlying situation for our examination. Example: Mulberry Street.
Exaggeration to the Point: The horrific element is a glorious, outrageous, grotesque enlargement of some feature of the matter underneath. Example: Ginger Snaps.
Startling Juxtaposition: The horrific element contrasts with other elements of the situation. Example: The Hills Run Red.
Thrills: The horrific element is what brings tension and excitement to the situation. Example: Wolfman.
Moral Disgust: The horrific element embodies moral judgment upon the characters or circumstances in the situation. Example: Isolation.
Sooo Deep: The horrific element is supposed to blow your mind, man, but since the underlying situation isn't interesting the horrific element is just so much noise. Example: The Passengers.
Sick Glee: The horrific elements fulfill violent fantasies (even if it's underneath a veneer of moral disgust). Example: Jack Ketchum's The Lost.
It really struck me that movies' horrific elements exist in particular different places within and around situation. This seems like fantastically fruitful game design territory. I want to say more about it, but I can't figure out how - any thoughts, anybody?
