Why do we watch scary films?

Why do we watch scary films?

Difference from normal entertainment

Subversive:
Sadistic - deriving pleasure from inflicting pain, suffering or humiliation on others.

Masochistic - putting ourselves in the situation of the victim

Aristotle 384 BC - 322 BC:

Catharsis:

We cleanse our own violent/negative feeling, by watching/experiencing violent, negative imagery.

Golf Zillman: - Excitation transfer theory

The negative emotions gained from violent imagery - intensifying the positive.

What do films need to be scary?

1) Tension - Create use of micro-elements and manipulation information and narrative.

2) Relevance - The gear generated has to be relevant to the audience - and believed.

3) Unrealism - The audience have to be aware it isn't real.

Similarity is thrillers I notice from their trailers:

- A scary looking character

Name	Scary character
The Town (2010)
Black Swan (2010)
The Purge (2013)
The Skin I Live (2011)
Captain Phillips (2013)