Horror's Pre-Cinematic Roots
Horror storytelling predates cinema significantly, with its origins in folklore and gothic literature. Ancient myths often contained elements designed to frighten and moralize, setting the stage for the horror genre.
First Horror Film Ever
Considered the first horror movie, 'Le Manoir du diable' (1896) by Georges Méliès, lasts only three minutes. This silent film features supernatural elements like ghosts and witches, pioneering the horror genre.
Universal Monsters Legacy
In the 1920s and 1930s, Universal Studios created iconic monsters that endure today. Films like 'Dracula' and 'Frankenstein' introduced horror icons and set a benchmark for character-driven frights.
Psychological Horror Emergence
Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho' (1960) revolutionized horror by exploring psychological tension over gore. It introduced the concept of the unreliable narrator and set new standards for suspense and narrative complexity.
Slasher Subgenre Birth
The 1970s gave rise to the slasher subgenre, with 'Halloween' (1978) setting the template for many such films. It combined elements of suspense, psychosexual themes, and a focus on survival.
Found Footage Innovation
The Blair Witch Project' (1999) popularized the found footage technique, creating an immersive and realistic horror experience. This method rejuvenated the genre with a new sense of authenticity.
Horror as Social Commentary
Recent films like 'Get Out' (2017) have used horror to explore social issues. Jordan Peele's directorial debut comments on race relations, proving horror's potency in examining societal fears.
What roots horror storytelling?
Ancient cinema techniques
Folklore and gothic literature
Radio dramas of 1920s
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