The Cliché Killer: A Rant on the Latest Horror Movies
Summary
In this blog post, we will embark on a Q&A rant session with an expert in horror movies who is fed up with the lack of originality in the latest crop of horror films. We will cover topics such as the overuse of asylum settings, lackluster remakes, and the exhaustion of found footage horror.
Table of Contents
- The Asylum Trope: Staler than Old Pumpernickel
- Unnecessary Remakes: Carrie Edition
- Overrated Franchises: Saw
- Found Footage Fatigue: Blair Sasquatch Project
- Conclusion: Enough is Enough
Introduction
As horror movie enthusiasts, we are always on the lookout for new and exciting films that push the boundaries and leave us trembling with fear. However, sometimes it feels like we are stuck in a cycle of recycled ideas and overused tropes. In this Q&A session, we will hear from an expert who is tired of the lack of originality in the latest horror films.
The Asylum Trope: Staler than Old Pumpernickel
Questioner: Why do you think the asylum setting has become so popular in horror movies?
Expert: The asylum trope has been around for a long time, and it was a genuinely original idea when Edgar Allan Poe wrote about inmates taking over an asylum in the 1840s. However, nowadays, it feels stale and overdone. Movies like “Shock Corridor,” “Shutter Island,” and “American Horror Story Asylum” have all used this setting to varying degrees of success. Unfortunately, the latest crop of horror films seems to be following suit.
Questioner: What is it about the asylum setting that makes it so overused?
Expert: I think the asylum setting is popular because it creates a sense of claustrophobia and a feeling of being trapped. Additionally, it plays on society’s fears of mental illness and the unknown. However, these themes have been explored so many times that they no longer feel fresh or original. It’s time for filmmakers to come up with new ideas.
Unnecessary Remakes: Carrie Edition
Questioner: What do you think about the trend of remaking classic horror movies?
Expert: I believe that remakes can be successful if they bring a fresh perspective to the story. However, too often, remakes simply retell the same story without adding anything new. The remake of “Carrie” is a prime example of this. The original film was a classic, and the remake did nothing to improve upon it.
Questioner: Why do you think studios continue to make unnecessary remakes?
Expert: I believe that studios make remakes because they are looking for a guaranteed audience. People are familiar with the original, so they are more likely to see the remake. However, this strategy doesn’t always work, and it can end up alienating fans of the original.
Overrated Franchises: Saw
Questioner: What do you think about the “Saw” franchise?
Expert: I think the “Saw” franchise is overrated. While the first film was unique and interesting, the subsequent films became formulaic and relied too heavily on gore and shock value. The franchise has become a caricature of itself, and I think it’s time for it to end.
Questioner: Why do you think the “Saw” franchise has been so successful?
Expert: I think the “Saw” franchise was successful because it tapped into people’s fascination with extreme violence and gore. Additionally, the complex storyline and twist endings kept people coming back for more. However, after so many films, the franchise has become tired and predictable.
Found Footage Fatigue: Blair Sasquatch Project
Questioner: What do you think about the found footage sub-genre of horror movies?
Expert: I think found footage can be effective when used sparingly and when it adds to the story. However, too often, found footage is used as a crutch to hide a lack of creativity and originality. The “Blair Sasquatch Project” is a prime example of this. The shaky cam technique was genuinely startling when “The Blair Witch Project” came out, but now it feels overused and tired.
Questioner: Why do you think filmmakers continue to use found footage as a device?
Expert: I think filmmakers use found footage because it can create a sense of realism and immersion for the viewer. It can also be cheaper to produce than traditional filmmaking. However, as audiences become more familiar with the technique, it becomes less effective.
Conclusion: Enough is Enough
As horror movie enthusiasts, we want to be scared and entertained by fresh, original ideas. Unfortunately, the latest crop of horror movies seems to be relying too heavily on tired tropes and overused techniques. It’s time for filmmakers to take risks and come up with new and exciting ideas that push the boundaries of what horror movies can be. Let’s hope that the future of horror is bright, scary, and full of surprises.
