Written by Isabelle Termath and Rachel Haynes, Staff Writers
As the Halloween season passes by, what do people enjoy spending their times watching and what elements in horror films, with the amount of different types of Halloween films, make some pop?
The spooky season is upon us, and that means Halloween movies are top of mind. There is something out there for everyone, whether you want a bloody slasher film or one rife with mystery and a pervading sense of humor throughout. No matter what though, people generally enjoy being terrified by Halloween films. There is a magnetism to fear that keeps viewers gripped, eager to see what the next scene holds. However, not all horror movies can execute this kind of appeal. So, what is it that differentiates a forgettable film that only uses shock-factor, and one that leaves a lasting impression, staying with viewers long after its credits roll?
To answer this question, we must first know what people’s favorite flicks are. Nate Firetag, a sophomore at Poly High School, affirms that his favorite horror movie is “Eraserhead” (1977). He firmly states that it is “weird and creepy in a way no other movie is.”
“Eraserhead” is widely considered to be a masterpiece. It is the perfectly well-crafted synthesis of psychological and body horror. Audiences are disturbed by grotesque imagery of decaying flesh and a deformed and suffering child. Beyond this unsettling imagery is the deep-seated anxiety that pervades throughout. It is seen in the main character living in isolation, accompanied only by filth, which makes his inevitable descent into madness only that more unnerving. “Eraserhead” does not make horror out of what is easy and obvious. It goes beyond goblins and ghouls, and instead forces the audience to confront something real: the human mind. It leaves a lasting, disturbing impression on its viewers that not many other horror films can claim.
Not everyone’s favorite Halloween movie is scary, however. While Nora Best, a senior here at Poly does enjoy her fair share of scary motion pictures, such as “Mother!” (2017), she states that “ParaNorman” (2012) is her absolute favorite.
Loved by many for its unique and intriguing characteristics, ParaNorman is a stop motion animated movie for all. Best expresses that she “loves stop motion movies” and appreciates all the time and effort that is put behind films like ParaNorman. It is one that everyone can watch, and it covers topics like accepting others, facing one’s fears, and of course, the paranormal. It is littered with humorous moments that the audience may find endearing, which only further captivates viewers. Norman, the main character, is a “little freak who is misunderstood”, says Best. This is a major part as to why she, and many others, love this movie so much. He is a character that the audience can relate to in their own ways, which leaves a positive impression among the audience. Overall, what makes ParaNorman such a good Halloween movie is the spooky visuals, appealing storyline, and relatable characters.
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Nina Santiago, a senior at Poly High, is not a huge fan of scary movies. Thankfully there are a variety of different kinds of Halloween movies out there such as her favorite, “Halloweentown” (1998). “I like Halloweentown mostly for the nostalgia”, Santiago says. Humor is a big factor as to why this movie is a fan favorite. The jokes and witty banter scattered in this flick make it all the more memorable and enchanting. Much like ParaNorman, it has a charming plot that many hold close to their hearts. It is an older movie, and many people, not just Santiago, enjoy the movie for nostalgia purposes. Clearly when Halloween films have a cute story with an impactful moral, it quickly becomes a favorite for many.
So, to answer the question, “what makes a Halloween movie good?”, it needs to have the audience be immersed in the story, and appeal to not only their fear, but their humor as well. In the case of “Eraserhead,” immersive storytelling is what not only makes this scary movie good, but a classic film that will terrify viewers, new and old. For non-scary movies, having an endearing and humorous plot that leaves people with a sense of nostalgia when they rewatch it the next year seems to be the key to success. Whether a Halloween movie is scary or not, a good one will leave you with a lasting and spooky impression.