Research: 'Fear Itself' Documentary

The documentary 'Fear Itself' introduced interesting points about the connection between the audience and the film within the horror genre, and how this can be much stronger than some other genres. The points raised in the documentary can be condensed into the following bullet points:

• Positioning of the audience, to make them fit into the suffering character's shoes, so that they are empathetic toward the character's emotions. 

• Minimal exposition and effects in order to build up tension by not revealing every detail (including plot, the threat, etc.). This creates fear of the unknown- a huge part of the genre. This technique causes the audience to question everything that they are seeing, allowing them to never truly feel at ease- the main reason for many conventions of the horror genre such as quick editing and darkness. Anything which limits vision or hides certain details builds this feeling up more.

• This suggestion of never being truly safe is also successful in affecting the audience after the film too. The main reason why so many people remain scared after the viewing of a horror film is because they begin to question things that they accepted as part of life before, finding a threat in everything around them.

• Many horror films play on fears that are common or familiar in society, which is why they tend to have such an effect on people. This makes experience far more personal, due to the proximity to danger that the audience now sees themselves in.

• People can be not only mentally affected but physically, which is why horror can be more engaging to an audience than other genres. Sensations such as goosebumps, jumping and raised heart rate all allow the audience to feel more involved in the action.

• An audience enjoys being scared, due to the thrill it gives them. Horror movies are a way to enjoy this without being in a threatening situation- it allows them to experience this through the medium of other people. 

• Films based on true stories are popular as they often seem more alarming than something that was made up- it causes the audience to realise that the terrifying events they have seen can actually happen. This is another reason why the antagonist in a film is often another person rather than a supernatural force;the possibility of being in a frightening situation seems more realistic. 

• Some films seen as horror aren't always made this way- much of the fear that is created by films comes from the reaction and interpretation of the viewer to what they are shown. This is why people often feel more involved in the films- they are left vulnerable to their own imaginations.