Horror films: Reflections of society's deepest fears and cultural anxieties by ASU News (Arizona State University) (Oct 28, 2024)
ASU instructor on how horror films mirror our moral panics, cultural fears
https://news.asu.edu/20241028-arts-huma … d-cultural
"When you delve into the eerie world of horror films, fear isn’t always just entertainment. According to Michelle Martinez, underneath the dark layers and beneath the screams, they reflect our deepest social anxieties, mirroring society's moral panics and cultural fears.
Read the Q&A to get a unique perspective with Michelle "Martinez an instructor at Arizona State University who teaches courses for the Film and Media Studies program through ASU Online. With a background in English, creative writing, literature and cultural studies, Latino/a and Indigenous studies, and film and media studies, she brings a unique perspective to her courses."
An interesting and eye opening example offering pause to think about society with its various cultures here in the US and the current issues of the day.
"Q: Can you talk a bit about how horror films can shed light on the social and moral panics of the moment?
A: A couple great examples would be “The Exorcist” (1973) and “Carrie” (1976). Both films were released around the time the Roe v. Wade decision was made and at a time when women gained new rights, thanks to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Both films touch on anxieties about female autonomy during a time when women were experiencing historical empowerment. Both films center the male gaze on girls in their stages of puberty and project a monstrous cautionary tale on the potential of women’s power.
Another powerful example is “Night of the Living Dead” (1968). In 1968, you have the Civil Rights Movement and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In the movie, the protagonist, a Black man, (spoiler alert) is mistaken for a zombie and killed by law enforcement. In retrospect, it’s such a marker of the moment. Also, at the time of its release, it was considered very progressive and cutting edge."
Are you a horror film genre fan?
If you read the interview will you be watching horror films with a different eye?
How about the oldies you saw growing up? Do you see another light being shined on them while considering how they may have formed the subconscious mind?
Off the top of your head without giving much thought what is the scariest horror film that comes to mind now? Will you reflect on it with a new lens of awareness?
Thoughts, criticisms, accolades, and/or commentary?
