When writing a horror film, you sometimes need to include intense scenes and images and this is risky because it might potentially disgust the audience. This question is an open question and I'll like to know everyone's point of view. Take for instance you're an audience and you are watching a film. You're into the film then suddenly, it reaches a scene where people vomit their intestines. Would you find it so disgusting that you'll stop watching the movie or you'll want to watch the movie even more.
If you read this, please share your point of view in the comment section. It's crucial.
Thanks for the attention.
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Usually when you go to a movie, you have an inkling about what the movie is about, what genre it is... Even if you stay away from reviews, you have to see the poster, the title, so you know you are going to see gruesome stuff when seeing a horror movie. That's actually what you expect: strong, visceral imagery which will both make you flinch, repel and fascinate you. "Vomit their interestines" is gruesome but i don't see it as making people flee their seats. You need to go very far into outrage, going into taboo sort of things (Pasolini, John Waters) to make people flee a cinema - out of disgust and outrage.
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I'd find it disgusting, Ebai-Eyong Akanga, but I'd probably just close my eyes or fast forward the scene instead of stopping the movie.
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At the script stage, Im more concerned about story execution than "the movie audience."
Stop worrying about things off the page. That is not the job. Companies have expert marketing & distributor ppl if you're fortunate to make a movie. GL!
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Briefly diescribe and let the readers imagination fill in the rest.
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What Dan and Dan said.
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Maurice Vaughan
When writing my script, must I include such things to hook the reader. The plot is already compelling enough but I just feel I've done enough because I want the reader to be constantly engaged.
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Dan MaxXx
When writing my script, must I include such things to hook the reader. The plot is already compelling enough but I just feel I’ve done enough because I want the reader to be constantly engaged.
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AUDIENCES are very knowledgeable about there movies. I remember when I wrote my first love scene very similar alarm. HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH. You will find nothing is toooooo much. Unless it makes no sense. Your audience must buy in ALL IN.
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People remember extreme details. Every creative choice runs the risk of alienating your audience, but if there's something "out there" or harsh that you know needs to be in the story, you should write it in. Some might not like it yes, but there are plenty of others that'll be in for the ride.
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Ever seen THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE?
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Im old enough to remember when some movies made two versions, PG13 & R-rated. And even airplane movies have their own version.
They dont ask screenwriters what to edit in or out. Unless you're Tarantino. I hear there is a 6 to 20 hour edits of Once Upon A Time... with Tim Roth (who was edit out of theatrical release).
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Ebai-Eyong Akanga not to worry, Horror audiences LOVE the 4D's of Horror which are Disquiet, Distress, Disgust, and Displeasure.
All other audiences who HATE Horror will be revolted by the scene you described.
Horror Writers generally write the 4 D's in this simple order and Horror Films can make a lot of money because, they have a potentially huge audience.
Good Luck.
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It’s about knowing your audience. For some the thrill of watching a horror movie is to be grossed out and put in extremes of visual discomfort. Cronenberg movies aren’t made to please all audiences, even horror audiences.
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I remember when "The Blair Witch Project" premiered and there were reports of people in theaters vomiting and whatnot and it was not because of graphic violence, but because of the shaky camerawork. If it's about potentially discomforting visuals I think as long as it's not blatantly gratuitous it's game on...
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I think a lot of horror fans show up for the gore, rage, and shock of many horror movies, others prefer tense moments of suspense or mind-bends. The best strategy is to know exactly the specific vibe you're going for and have conviction in executing it, so when people wanna know about your choices, you can fully stand behind your material and its initial intent