Nick and Tim are joined by frequent-contributor Brian Scherschel to tackle these questions and more. In this topsy-turvy episode, we begin with a Cinema Selections look at a classic 1955 thriller, and then move to discuss the appeal of the horror genre, the merits of suspense over surprise, and try to figure out what's the deal with this zombie craze anyway.
Whether you're a horror addict or someone who hides behind the couch at the appearance of a menacing trash can, you're sure to find today's discussion intriguing. Take a listen!
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All right - apologies. I'm trying to fix our rss feed, deleted and reposted this post, and THEN realized I had deleted comments. I have them saved and will repost.
ReplyDeleteHey Nick and Tim (and Brian), I jumped ahead one episode, because I wanted to hear your thoughts on horror. I like horror in theory but not in practice. As a kid I loved to read Goosebumps and those Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark anthologies. I'm also a sucker for urban legends (not the movie), old ghost stories, myth, and lore. Horror tends to pop up in them on a regular basis. However, in practice, I rarely find horror I want to watch. I don't want to watch helpless teenagers get slashed and hacked to bits, even if they "deserve it" according to movie law. Granted, I'll read the plot summaries of these stories, but I don't like the blood. I also can't stand the zombie craze going on at the moment. Yes, I get it, it's hopeless. I think that's one of my biggest pet peeves about horror. I can't get into movies where I know almost (if not) all the people are going to die. I'm not going to invest myself in a character if I know they'll most likely die. Since I don't get any enjoyment from watching the creative ways a film maker can kill a person, then I think most horror will remain beyond me. Yet there are scary movies and shows that I truly love. I wouldn't have been able to watch the Doctor Who episode "Blink" as a child, but left a strong positive impression in my mind that I'll always enjoy it. The Haunting, despite being a 50's movie, still scares to this day. However, the film doesn't just scare, it's got interesting characters that the audience cares about. Of course, there's always The Twilight Zone. The episodes are not just creepy, but they find a way to put a moral without being preachy. Look at Talking Tina from "The Doll". It doesn't have the immediate scare factor of Chucky, but Talking Tina sends chills in more subtle ways.
ReplyDeleteBy Greg Vs on Episode 22 - Fear As a Fun Factor on 11/9/11
Before I forget, here are some movies or tv shows that freaked me out as a child: 1. Halloween is Grinch Night (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeFaBvL72a8) This wasn't necessarily scary, but I found it to be pretty disturbing as a child. Dr. Seuss's art is already kind of dreamlike. He just rarely explored the nightmare side of it. 2. PeeWee's Big Adventure: The Hospital Scene (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7kw0WiUB5c) Everyone talks about the Large Marge scene. To be honest, I forgot about Large Marge (maybe it was too traumatic?), but I always associated this scene with the movie. Clowns are evil. 3. The Brave Little Toaster: Clown Dream (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEdZh8a4ZvE) It's the clowns again. I definitely wasn't expecting to see a scene like this when I watched it as a child. 4. The Twilight Zone Movie: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5pQfOMkhmQ) Two words: Cartoon Land. 5. Fantasia "Night on Bald Mountain": (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYSbxRiUgOo) The animation with the ghosts rising from the ground is masterfully done. Too bad that means it's freaky beyond belief. in fact... 6. Disney's Halloween Treat (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Bu-CUfPWBU) Elements of this special got under my skin, especially during the part with the village at night. 7. Unsolved Mysteries (any of them) I hated it when I'd go over to a friend's house and they'd have this on. Saw an episode about a ghost in a bathroom mirror and had issues with it for years Finally, I can't leave horror without mentioning a web series I'm obsessing over at the moment. It's called Marble Hornets, and I can't say enough good things about it. The story is about a video editor looking over footage of an unfinished student film a friend of his never completed. The only problem is the majority of the footage isn't about the film. While Marble Hornets plays in the horror genre, it's not gory or violent. It's more of a mystery, which is why I recommend it to the podcast. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wmhfn3mgWUI Watch the first ten videos (they're not long), and I think you'll be hooked. -Greg
ReplyDeleteOne last thing I forgot to add. There was one 80's fantasy film I remember watching as a child that freaked me out, but I can't remember it. I don't remember much from it, other than there being a boy as the main character, and he had a friend or guardian that could change into a dog. There was an older man with them, but he got eaten or something and replaced by a replica without eyes. They had to stop him from attacking the kid. Does anyone know what I'm talking about or remember seeing it? I think it was on the Disney channel.
ReplyDeleteBy Greg Vs on Episode 22 - Fear As a Fun Factor on 11/9/11
I should have realized when you posted that clip from Brave Little Toaster on Facebook, it was inspired by this episode! I can concur with you about that scene, Fantasia, and Unsolved Mysteries being pretty disturbing growing up. I don't think I saw Fantasia young enough for the Night on Bald Mountain stuff to traumatize me, but that's pretty freaky stuff, even for Disney. I'll have to check out your other recommendations when I get the chance. Sounds like we also concur on what types of horror we like or dislike. I wonder if there's something cathartic about scary things in stories; something about our inner fears taking a shape that we can confront. Maybe that's also why scary stories can be especially memorable -- they touch a deep nerve and can make an impression that isn't soon forgotten. Unfortunately, the 80's film you mention isn't ringing a bell with me. Sounds creepy, though. Anyone else remember it? Tim
ReplyDeleteBy Tim on Episode 22 - Fear As a Fun Factor on 11/9/11