Laugh or Jump? When watching a horror film, one conceit must be agreed upon by all parties involved. Usually the film is paused about fifteen to twenty minutes in to make this judgement, or the agreement can be made during a lull in the action. Is this a film to be mocked, commented on, and laughed at? Or is it a film to make us grip the edges of the seat chair, check behind us, or even make us jump in surprise or fear? Some might argue that, after watching a film several times, that which scared us on the first go-around may make us laugh now. Or even that, a film can be a combination of both - silly-scary, where the special effects in one sequence might be ridiculous but that one scene with the elevator (or statue, or noise, etc.) is...creepy!
Why bother deciding this question? Well, for some people, the most enjoyment gotten out of a horror film comes from the atmosphere...the hushed watchers, dim ambient light, and lack of outside noise and interruptions. While others may concentrate more on the story and not lose focus when distracted by an errant conversation, some viewers like to immerse themselves in the often bizarre, hopefully clever tale unfolding on the screen.
I would argue that this deciding action is most necessary for horror films in particular. Comedies may be laughed at, remarked on, and interrupted (provided they are being viewed on DVD or VHS) without losing too much of the movie's atmosphere. But horror movies, and eerie thrillers (as opposed to slasher flicks) in particular, can be ruined if someone turns on a bright light, strikes up a conversation, or makes a humourous remark.
However, a rare event occurred last night: L.B. and I watched
The Grudge and managed to combine fear with humour. The most amusing times came when the screen attempted to fade to black, and all you could see was...the reflected lights of the Christmas tree on the screen. Swelling music, terrifying face, and...CHRISTMAS! AAAHHH!
The first time I saw this film, my thought process went like this: "Creeped out; the grudge spirit has a unique, frightening way of moving; why would you ever go towards the thumping? Not in the bed, that's terrible! Run! It's coming down the stairs; leave the boyfriend, he was stupid anyway and needed a haircut; Wait a minute...that's the sound I use to comfort myself and purr!" So I, of course, was not scared...not at the climax of the film, anyway.
The point is, films good. Friends good. Happy Mandala.
Timely Soundtrack: "Bring it on Home to Me" by Sam Cooke from Live at the Harlem Square ClubQuote Trapped in My Head: *Rckckrckckrckckrckckrckckrckkk!*What I Learned Today: Orblicious!
