Introduction

When I first discovered that I would be studying horror for A2 Media Studies, I was quite excited as I enjoy this genre. This however, depends on the situation I am in, for example; I could be with a group of friends going to the cinema to watch a horror movie, but because we are together the fear and anxiety is not as prominent as oppose to if I was in my front room, alone, with the curtains drawn. The fear and adrenaline that horror films give you is thrilling and exciting which tends to be the reason why people are such fans of the genre, it also acts as a way for viewers to escape their own reality and allows them to appreciate the life they live as they don't go through the torture and distress that is shown in these horror films.
In terms of the differences between old/traditional horrors and modern horrors, old horror movies intended to scare rather than to entertain, they had more of a negative effect mentally and psychologically whereas modern movies are mostly loud noises or pop ups, trying to make you jump or scream the loudest.
The tension that is built up through mystery, gore, terror, suspense and shock are all elements of a film that entice viewers. Capturing the universal fear of things like death and the unknown builds the fear and messes with people mentally which results to sleepless nights.
As a child (around 7-8), I was first introduced to horror by my older brother who always got a thrill out of scaring me. 'The Grudge' was probably the first horror movie I watched and I was left traumatised for years, from that day I told myself I would never watch another horror film again...ever. Despite this experience, I grew up and began to love the thrill and anxiety that horror gives me.
Below is the trailer to 'The Grudge'

Overall, I think I am going to enjoy this part of the course as it is exciting and I am going to learn a lot of new this about this genre.