Assignment Two

When we think of horror, the first thing that comes to our minds are movies that depict unforgivable violent killers in a bloody scene or maybe an exorcism that goes wrong or just an excess of gore that leaves some audience feeling uncomfortable. Some people may leave their seats at a movie theater and keep the lights on when they go to sleep or there are others who remain because they are enthralled by the scenes that give them a rush of excitement. Horror by itself does not depict scenes that are visually appealing to an average audience, but it may incite strong emotional reactions from those who are looking to experience some sort of “adrenaline”. Horror is indeed taboo to some which has made it rather unpopular in mainstream culture. But the rise of horror/thriller genre shows in TV networks has shined some light to the genre.

The most prominent series to date is American Horror Story, which is now running on its fifth season. Its nationwide success has caught the attention of critics who are not all too fond of the nonstop gore and sexually explicit scenes each season has. But because it is a show that has gone outside of the norms from an expected drama series that is broadcasted nationwide, it has gained immense popularity among different age groups especially in older teens. I am, for one, a part of the fan base this show has grown because of its endless plot twists. Despite the excess graphic scenes, I enjoy the show because of the raw emotions that the characters display which is what horror is about. American Horror Story is one of many horror series that has become popular and has served a large fan base who looks for another exhilarating episode that leaves them wanting more.

Horror films have often received negative reviews by other groups of people because it may be seen as too extreme for them (Ulaby, 2007). There is no denying that some horror films depict vile scenes but it is all a part of the entertainment that people want for pleasure. It has become apparent that horror itself has increased in popularity especially because audiences have access to more TV series of that particular genre. Because horror is becoming popular in television series, it has slowly inched its way into mainstream culture and making others reconsider that it may no longer be taboo.

Literature Review

Jowett, L., & Abbott, S. (2013). TV Horror: Investigating the Dark Side of the Small Screen. (pp.131-154) New York, NY: I.B Tauris. One chapter from the book titled, The Excess of Horror discusses how other TV shows, for example Dexter or the Pushing Diaries balances out the style of horror and gore with the narrative of the show, by mixing other genres in such as comedy or fantasy. The “excess” of horror, especially the gore associated with it, is essentially moderated by these other genres to keep audiences attracted to the plot of the show. But the style or elements of these TV series, maintain the aspect of horror and not knowing what is going to happen next with their visual effects, lights, angles or even the characters themselves. Despite TV networks limitations regarding its censorship/broadcast rules, the horror genre is essentially becoming part of that mainstream. Ulaby, N. (2007, June 9). Extreme Horror: Basic Escapism or Simply Base? NPR [Audio podcast] Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/

Comment [GV1]: I think that you need the reword this sentence because its a little hard to understand. Just rethink of what you were trying to say and then maybe divide it into two or three different sentences. This will help not only for clarity but also to bring out the main ideas in your paper. (Valentina Sosa) Comment [GV2]: This sentence is not entirely vague but it lacks content. I think that you should say how you came to this conclusion.Use some of your sources to factually back up your claim. (Radha P.)

Comment [GV3]: This is a really solid section. It makes this relate-able to someone who has watched it, and really informs the reader about your figured world and the impact it is having to its audience. you use a great handful of details that really explain why this show is such a hook, and it adds a lot to this section. (Amalia Striker)

Comment [GV4]: I understand that you were trying to explain the sources that you will be using in this paper. But I also think that Instead of having the citation and then the explanation underneath, you should couple up some of the sources you have based on their content and then show how that will be used in your "Entering The Conversation." By doing this, it makes this section of our paper look more like a cohesive paper rather than an annotated bibliography. (Radha P.)

Ulaby discusses the basis of extreme horror and mention that it isn’t anything new in the entertainment industry, but rather it has made its way through mainstream media, thanks in part to improving visual effects that gives people a real experience. Rob Zombie expresses that violence is all part of the quality that extreme horror brings and that it is escapism (seeking new distractions from reality) to those living in unpleasant societies. Horror scholar, Mikita Brottman claims that horror is a “reflection” of the horrors that are occurring in this world, such as war or social disorder. In essence extreme horror can be seen as the basis of “humanity’s dark side” that one can be entertained by. Ulaby, N. (2012, October 17). Jessica Lange, Back in Black for 'Horror Story'. NPR [Audio podcast] Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/ This radio broadcast by Ulaby goes on to introduce the story of the American Horror story asylum and mentions Jessica Lange as the most prominent actors in the show. Ryahn Murphy, the show’s mentions his love for horror and that it is a genre that often receives negative reviews. Horror, to him, is a form of art and a reflection or metaphor to what is happening in a certain time period. American Horror Story, for example, plays in many themes of science vs. religion as well as the consequences that came from breaking the norms of society in the mid 20th century. Simpson, P. L. (2004). Horror Film: Creating and Marketing Fear. University Press of Mississippi. (pp. 85-97) The author explains why the horror films can achieve the title of an “event movie” which when it receives enough media attention to draw in other audiences of different genres so that it may be considered mainstream. But often times this occurrence is rare because it is considered to be another form of “body genre” which incites a physical response rather than an emotional response because it is so graphic. Essentially, horror becomes an event movie that ranks as one of the top movies in the box office because it is commercial product that includes well know actors, which attracts a greater number of audiences. Holmes, L. (2011. October 5). 'American Horror Story': Love It or Hate It, It's A Horror Show for Sure. NPR. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/ The first season of American Horror Story is reviewed by Holmes as a shocking excess quality horror genre that does not contain any censorship. American Horror Story has indeed tied in several outrageous scenes just by the first episode alone, which includes sex, daunting music and unusual visuals no one would expect. This brings in to light that horror is made to shock people, especially since it is fast paced, and not everyone is supposed to find it appealing. Garcia, V. (2015). Assignment One: Asylum. Personal Collection of V. Garcia, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte NC. Three episodes of season 2 American Horror Story are closely observed where the setting takes place in the 1960s in an insane asylum. Every possible element of gruesome horror is included in this season; everything from a dark eerie setting, unforgivable torture to the patients, a mad doctor, aliens, a victim who is possessed by the devil… the list could go on. Asylum is a fast paced show and it always has the audience wondering what extremity is bound to happen next.

The anticipation, gore and endless surprises offers people that stimulus needed to evoke a reaction, especially fear. Tudor, A. (1997). WHY HORROR? THE PECULIAR PLEASURES OF A POPULAR GENRE. Cultural Studies. 11(3), 443-463. doi: 10.1080/095023897335691 The question of “Why horror” is proposed in order to address the difficulty in distinguishing why people find horror appealing to them and why some find it appalling. Such problematic issues occur because no data can be reliable as to WHY people prefer the genre of horror whereas others are not. In order to address this question, the author goes depth with his abstraction on a three levels analysis that could explain why people find horror so enthralling. Rather than relying on the psychoanalytic theory that suggests people like horror only because it offers them an emotional release from their repressed memories, Tudor recognizes that our own social context directly connects to one’s liking of horror because certain elements of the genre goes outside of the accepted norms of society. Nickel, P. J., (2010). The Philosophy of Horror. Lexington: The University Press of Kentucky. 14-30. Retrieved from https://muse.jhu.edu/books/9780813173702 The definition and value of the horror genre is defended by Nickel who explains that it’s value is not held in the graphic scenes it depicts but rather its impact on entertainment and art. In terms of a philosophical point of view, horror and the fears associated with it, relates back to the fears in everyday life. Horror forms of literature and film creates a scenario that a viewer grows anxiety from, because there is no denying the possibility of such a familiar situation in real life. The fear from a movie or from a story essentially becomes repressed until some stimulus incites that paranoia once again. It is the anxiety of realistic situation from a horror film that is happening in real life is what maintains a viewer’s attention.

Entering the Conversation

There is no denying that horror has made a rise from gothic literature to cinema and now, its popularity has become increasingly apparent amongst well-known TV networks. Some popular TV shows such as True Blood, Dexter, and Supernatural, indeed bring in elements of true dark horror but often mix in other genres and famous actors that make it more “mainstream” and therefore attract more viewers (Jowett & Abbot, 2013). But what about shows that retract these mainstream genres and bring in elements of true horror such as gore and pain inflicting scenes? Examples of shows that have risen their way to success from the very first season are American Horror Story and The Walking Dead. These shows have all the aspects that a horror movie contains, and it brings a perfect balance of horror and a narrative plot rather than an excess of the horror itself. It is because of these shows that horror has received an increasing approval. What is it about the horror genre that people want? To feel not only excitement, but to gain an upsurge of emotions not felt in average every day life. They want the actual fear of not knowing what is going to happen next simply because they expect it not to happen to them in real life. It is because of these horror films/shows people have something to be excited about. In several cases, cinema has failed in doing so and has cast a shadow over the genre. In contrast to these films, TV shows that have emerged has brought on a significant impact to what the horror genre intends to bring to the audience, which is utter fear. Because of shows like American

Comment [GV5]: I like how you inserted this question in here. I think that this is a very good way to "enter the conversation". Also like how you tied it back to what you were stating before and continued the conversation. (Valentina Sosa) Comment [GV6]: Why is it that they have gained approval? also what about that approval points it back to your main topic. I think that a bit more detail in this section could show that you know what you are talking about and also gives good examples for you paper as a whole. (Valentina Sosa) Comment [GV7]: I like how you put this specific question here. I think that after reading paragraphs upon paragraphs of factual information, it is very refreshing to re-grab the attention of your reader by asking a question. I think that your follow up on the question is quite appropriate and insightful. (Rahda Patel) Comment [GV8]: You've done really well with naming horror tv shows, maybe you could also add this element when talking about the movies? Examples of these excess gorey movies may be a really good addition to your paper. What are some exapmles of the straight gore not drama/storyline. I personally know there is usually HUGE plot holes in horror movies, what are some of those movies with plot holes that really stand out to you? (Amalia Striker)

Horror story and The Walking Dead, viewers, especially horror fanatics have something to anticipate. In this decade, when a new horror movie premieres at a local theater, people aren’t inclined to watch it because the quality of the movie plot is expected to not be what the audience may envision. These so called “horror” movies are not often what the audience anticipates it to be, which is why the genre’s popularity has diminished in the last couple of decades. Sometimes the graphic images come in excess and usually the plot loses its value. How much gore a horror movie contains may be a predicament to how less successful it will be, because not everyone enjoys an overload of bloodshed. The true fear anticipated from the audience occurs less frequently throughout the movie, and audience members are repeatedly left disappointed. But the success of these TV horror shows has brought much recognition into the genre.

TV networks were once more conservative in how graphic/explicit scenes could be (Jowett & Abbott, 2013). Obviously, that is not the case with shows like American Horror Story. TV networks has become less strict in regulating the censorship of the show. American Horror Story is a primary example of the more liberalized mainstream media. Being that it is a psychosexual thriller, it contains very explicit sexual scenes, often showing some nudity, and contains forms of body horror (the act of inflicting physical pain and destruction to a character's’ body) that would indeed give it the label of a rated R movie. With its ever increasing fan base, it is apparent that explicit scenes are now becoming more widely accepted especially in the constantly changing media setting.

So would it be too soon to make the claim that the horror genre is now a part of the mainstream media more than ever? Probably not, especially since horror shows has made its triumph and fame on the small screen. People, especially those under 18 years now have the freedom to watch these shows whenever they can, despite its TV rating. So now an entire population of young adolescents are adding into this ever expanding fan base of horror/thrill seeking people. There won’t always be a gray area on an individual's’ opinion of the specific genre. Either people enjoy it or utterly hate it. Not everyone will label themselves a fan of a horror show/movie. But for those who are searching for a show that may provoke some excitement and fear, the shows like The Walking Dead and American Horror Story may fulfill that void. And it is without doubt that horror may once again be gaining its positive recognition and finally be taken seriously as a genre.

Conclusion

Once again, horror is a genre that as often received a negative reputation because of the excessive graphic scenes that are portrayed. People often take offense to gore and revolting visualizations, but it is safe to assume that the genre is receiving critical mass media attention, thanks in part to its success on TV networks. Now that horror can be watched in the homes of those looking to watch an emotionally provoking TV series, it will better facilitate the popularity it once had from cinema. Horror has once again made its impact on mainstream culture, and the majority of this media can be viewed directly from one’s own TV network. Shows like American Horror Story which not only incites fear but exploits fast paced graphic scenes that enthralls audience members, are one of few horror series that continues to make an impact on the changing entertainment industry. Also there are actors that people recognize from other shows or previous seasons that attracts them even more. Explicit sexual, often nude, and gruesome scenes are no longer censored and has become more widely accepted. It has become apparent that TV networks are now loosening its grasp to censorship, which is obviously what horror wasn’t about.

Comment [GV9]: You should tie this back to your main topic. Also state how this impacts viewers and what it is youre trying to say about this. This will help your idea stand out more. (Valentina Sosa)

Comment [GV10]: I understand that there may not be a "gray" area when it comes to topics like thing but why is it that people either "enjoy it or utterly hate it?." Explain why it is that black-and-white. Also reassure the readers about your feelings about this topic, it's great to know how the writer was feeling when composing this paper so it does not come of as a textbook. (Rahda Patel) Comment [GV11]: The second half of this sentence seems to be a repeat of another sentence above. It may be beneficial to revise and reword this sentence or to remove it all together. The phrase fill that void is seemingly over used to me. (Amalia Striker)

Comment [GV12]: what are those impacts that you are talking about? being more specific about this will help the idea that you are trying to bring out in your paper flourish and really be understood by your audience. It will also add more detail which is never bad! (Valentina Sosa) Comment [GV13]: I feel like toward the beginning of your essay you were arguing that the gore and explicit were a part f what horror is about. this sentence makes that feel contradictory to me now. are you talking about TV horror or movie horror or both? I am referring to the introduction that makes this contradiction. (Amalia Striker)

It is important to mention that horror has once again made its impact on mainstream media and to credit its impact of the liberalizing regulations of television. Horror has not received the appreciation it once had when cinema was making its rise. The genre has been seen as a pointless paradox of the possibilities and fears in real life. Movies have long portrayed horror as joke, and it is not often that one is able to enjoy a good scare from a horror film. The value of a plot has been lost and all that continues are the images of bloodshed. But horror on TV may be changing that perception of horror as being a season long show that value the themes and storyline. What the audience needs to realize is that horror should no longer be considered taboo but it should be appreciated as a form of art. And any form of art should incite a reaction from someone, whether it’d be awe, joyfulness, melancholy or fear. Although horror itself can be gruesome, the whole point of it is to provoke a response that keeps viewers engaged with the mood it brings. Not with the response to the visuals but to the emotional aspect of the plot. An audience that is actively engaged with the show/film, are the ones that enjoy the sensation of fear which is something that audience members may not feel on a daily basis. As long as a particular scenario doesn’t happen to an individual in reality, it is safe to enjoy the thrill.

So the question I propose is will people more likely appreciate the art and thrill that horror brings as long as there as it continues to value a storyline? Maybe so, but is it possible to value a plot without losing the elements of true horror? TV shows like American Horror Story seems to balance out such aspects. But what about the movie industry? If the movie industry were to balance out such aspects, then maybe horror will once again receive a good reputation and bring the genre to light more than ever.

Comment [GV14]: It may be beneficial here to add that not only is tv changing the perception, but it is also bringing back a larger value of a story line to the horror. When reading this it feels like you are hinting toward saying this but the wording makes it seem less obvious. (Amalia Striker)

Comment [GV15]: Oh yes, I love this. I like that you placed multiple questions here. It shows that this topic may just be riveting enough to enrapture the attention of people who are fans of horror, and those who are not. I also appreciate the fact that not all of your questions are similar to each other; i like that they are their own separate questions that tie a topic all together! (Rahda Patel)