It Could Happen to You

I have always subconsciously asked the question “Why horror?” because it is difficult for me to watch. According to Carroll, “Works of horror cannot be construed as either completely repelling or completely attractive.” I understand the attraction toward excitement and stimulation, but they have typically had a lasting effect on my psyche.  Personally, the exception has been shark movies: I am able to watch them without fear because I am in control of whether or not I am near sharks.  I watched Open Water because mass murderers and paranormal activity are plausible while sharks are completely avoidable.  Shark movies are notorious for their dramatic music which eliminates the element of surprise.  You simply know it’s coming. Open Water shows the “based on a true story” side of shark movies and emphasizes the human demise rather than shark attacks.

Horror is sought by some in order to experience awe, but there are various arguments about why people subject themselves to horror: “Cosmic fear may be relevant in explaining why some works of horror attract their audience, but it is not fundamental enough to explain the attractiveness of horror across the board” (162-164).  Horror is typically based in a narrative form: the plot is typical until something or someone bad happens upon it – the fact that these monsters exist in a seemingly normal world entices people (181). The curiosity and fascination that monsters and evil lives among us lures people to horror.  It is similar to the car wreck effect and rubbernecking; although the site is gruesome or simply unfortunate, people end up in massive traffic jams because of the temptation to look.  Horror is attractive because it defies Hollywood’s stereotype of "happily ever after." The viewer may keep looking for a rescue boat or helicopter destined to save the struggling couple, but it never comes.

In Open Water, the plot began with a serene vacation.  Daniel and Susan’s inevitable mental breakdown and eventual hopelessness of rescue exposes human vulnerability.  Their fate is realistic: the movie is filmed in a documentary type framing which enforces this idea. Vast oceans make up most of our world yet we are ignorant to their depth: horrific ocean films satisfy part of this unknown. Similarly, movies with murderers and demons offer aspects of human life that most never encounter.  BUT, characters are average, from all walks of life, encouraging the notion that it could happen to you.

This picture is a hoax but talk about chills?!