Filmmaking / Directing : HORROR GENRE MOVIES defined as? by Jason A. Wallace

A keyword in the "Halloween" franchise! There are so many sub-genres of THE genre that it is had to pinpoint one word. I do see a LOT of throwback happening in the terms of less "torture porn" (Hostel, etc) and more story driven, traditional horror. Universal just announced a huge revamp of it's original, classic horror film lineup with new versions of The Mummy, Frankenstein and Dracula being made beginning next year.

I agree with the lovely Timothy. Another keyword: set-pieces.

<3 Regina! Indeed!

I have watched all kinds of horror over my lifetime. I watch the good ones, the bad ones, the horrible ones, and the ones that memorable forever. I saw Brad Dourif at a panel discussion, and he was talking about the horror films like Chucky, Nighmare on Elm Street, etc.. etc.. And he said, (I'm paraphrasing with), true evil is something that you cannot reason with. And he's right. You're not going to talk Michael Myers out of murdering you. It just happens. I think memorable horror always deals with phobia of some sort. I just recently watched the Indie Film "Crawl or Die". I enjoyed it, but not a moment of it scared me. But then again, I'm not afraid of enclosed places or something sneaking up on me. I can't imagine someone who was claustrophobic watching that movie. Even the spiritual warfare movies attach the fear that the devil, or some semblance of his minions are going to steal your soul. And of course, death is always an easy target, because so many of use are afraid to die. Anyways, I didn't mean to go on so long. Horror is actually a passion and love of mine. I was 8 when I saw the black and white Frankenstein with Boris Karloff, and geez, I was hooked that moment!

The genius of the first "Halloween" is that many of the shots come from the viewpoint of Michael Myers. We see people walking around, through their windows, etc.. and none of them have any idea that he is out there lurking... voyeuristic and chilling.

"I think memorable horror always deals with phobia of some sort." Spot-on, Bruce!

First, I would like to thank you Jason for this question, because I'm writing on my first horror script and discussing about this genre is inspiring. Then, I agree to Peter, because most fearful is what your mind creates by watching the scenes and how much you see. What you don't see or know as a viewer and interpret in your mind is what really scares you.

Thank you very much, Peter!

Think of "The Shining" by the great Stanley Kubrick. There is evil lurking in the Overlook Hotel. Little Danny sees scary visions, twin girls calling his name. The wife is unaffected by the "resident evil" -- but scared of what her husband is turning into. Best of all, Kubrick leaves the bright lights on. Did "The Shining" scare us? Yes, in a new way. Brilliant.

To me, it give you the chill in your body when you see something scary on tv shows/movies.

These are some great answers thanks everyone!!!…I agree with almost all that is being said. This question arrised in a few forums I was involved with at other sites and I wanted to see the answers given here and I think its safe to say EVERYONE has a difference opinion when it comes to the word "horror". I see an opening that I am going for in this genre and it's the Psych Thriller with elements of Horror with in it. I'm not a Slaher fan, but a fan of films like, THE SHINING, ALIEN, ROSEMARRYS BABY, CARRIE, ETC…. I like getting in people heads and I've grown into the opinion that a GREAT STORY can be found in all of these elements of horror…Thats what makes this Genre GREAT in my opinion as a writer/ director…you can have style, be funny, have Suspense, Thrills…all of it, and it's excepted. A perfect cocktail for any good story teller :)

Even though horror can be thought of as workmanlike, I would argue that filmmaking/execution in horror can be more important than in other genres like drama, rom com, etc. Because if something isn't shot, mixed, and edited well in horror, it won't be effective, whereas, those elements in drama can have a greater margin of error.

I agree. Also, coming from the standpoint of composing, I love horror the best because quite frankly, I think it's the most eclectic set of music you could make for a film. There's all types of flavors and genres in even just one horror movie. BTW.. I've been spreading this around. Just watched the Indie film on hulu "Crawl Or Die" this weekend, and it was pretty cool.

I'll be a guest at this incredible film festival in October. If anyone here knows of anyone looking to submit genre features or shorts, the due date is 07/31/15. http://screaminthedarkomaha.com/guests/

Regina & Bruce…you might be interested in my last project, I got a nice write-up on it BELOW. And Regina I agree with you, but a little more story there I think…all good films have succesful execution, no matter their Genre….I've made a Comedy before and it looked, sounded and played well…but I missed the execution by frames (in edit) getting bigger laughs (that lesson you always hear about, but you still have to go thru to really realize it…lol) And Bruce sound is Huge in this particualr Genre…totally agree. I'm working on my 2nd feature now which is tonely like IT FOLLOWS and, as much as I dig this film, with out that score, you don't have nearly the same film! http://modernhorrors.com/the-full-walrus-review/

I think we're getting a little off topic, which is fine by me, but I still describe "Horror" as TERROR, whether Psychological or Physical…that's what Horror is becoming to me :)

Right on man. I will def check it out. I love the Horror Scores. Steve Jablonsky is my favorite with that. My wife won't watch horror movies at all, and one day I was playing the score to Chainsaw 2003 which is by him, and she said she didn't even have to watch the movie, the soundtrack creeped her out. LOL. By the way, he is a solid dude as well, and he has given me feedback on my work. I don't know him personally, but he is such an affable down to earth guy.

Hey Jason, I don't know if you saw my earlier post, but if you have genre shorts or features you wish to submit, this is THE festival to submit them to. There's a lot of buzz for it in that world. I'll be there with Leslie Easterbrook (Mother Firefly from "The Devil's Rejects") and two surprise cast members from the original "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" plus many others. http://screaminthedarkomaha.com/guests/

I did see above Timothy, thanks for the heads up. Unfortunatly I'm in Hollywood and that a bit of a road trip..have a blast though…looks like fun!

I'm in Los Angeles as well. I've been a panelist at a few festivals such as this and know many people submit without attending. Was recommending it for you or for any of your "genre" associates. It's cool and is mixed with a genre con feel to it as well. Lots of fans!

In great support of Regina's comment earlier, EVERYTHING is especially important in Horror (this is true of all genres but if you get it wrong in Horror, you REALLY get it wrong). I offer a review from Fangoria Magazine of a score I did. It's also a great argument about the importance of great score and sound!

Nice review, Timothy! Congrats!

Awesome Tim...I dig it thanks! I just got some press today if anyone is interested...just saw this about our next film. Http://modernhorrors.com/who-is-the-ice-cream-man

Thank you! I do horror but I am not REALLY a "horror" guy (Shhh...). The reviewer was in shock to learn that I, the same guy who composed this dark score, also did the theme for "Extra", drama and comedy work! LOL! To oversimplify, for me, it's all about diving deep into the story and characters and finding the show/feature's voice through music. If I can connect, I can do it. Now back to the thread! ;-)

The "juice" is dread rather than suspense.

Stay away from the horror genre. It is a dark road from which none return unchanged.

If Teri McMinn is attending the festival, it's for her participation as an actor in the original cult classic "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" which will be screened there. A low-budget, Tobe Hooper classic that has many of the elements discussed in this thread.

Terror, supernatural, paranormal. I love that the characters in my scripts can do things that I can't because they are demons, werewolves, etc. It's also fun to write characters who tackle things the rest of the world can't see, or won't believe in. Have you seen the film The Pact? It's a good one.

And theres the rub…lol

I think horror plays to different peoples phobias. Someone could be scared of small dark space and that wouldn't affect someone else for example. I feel that Horror films should have you on the edge of your seat.

Joshua…you mean TERROR, correct? This is what I said initially

I think the definition of a horror film is a film specifically made to scare the viewer. The same way a comedy is made to make the viewer laugh

Horror, its could be a subject matter of horrific proportion. Psycho was more a horror to me than The Exorcist, which is been said many times that its a psychological thriller, but the subject matter was horrific to watch. Then again you had th Nightmare movies and the Halloweens, Friday the 13th whcih were staright horrors. If ist scares me as a writer or audience member, the terror within the horrorific events -- its a horror.