Why do we enjoy being scared?

[Seph]

People talk about wanting to see a really scary movie, but if you really see one, is it worth it?

Of course it is, that question's somewhat rhetorical? The real question's why. Why do we get a kick out of being frightened?

I ask this because last night I finally watched The Woman in Black for the first time (just bought it). I haven't been scared, REALLY scared by a movie in a long time, but this did it and then some. Fuck...it made me feel like a kid in some weird way. And of course there's that ONE scene (anyone who's seen it knows what I'm talking about), and it took my breath away.

So then I tried to get some sleep, but the images kept popping into my head. This damn movie gave me a nightmare. And as I woke up this morning, tired and in desperate need of a cappucino, I wondered, "why the hell did I subject myself to that." But as the day grew on I found myself wanting to watch it again, and again and again. Because damn it if it isn't just an excellent film, and I SO want to look at it and study EXACTLY why it had this effect on me when SO many others don't even come close.

But why? Why's there even a market for horror? When you think about it, it goes against all common sense to actually SEEK for something to watch that'll horrify you. Is it the escapism? Is it to prove yourself somehow? I mean, if someone says a movie completely terrified them, part of you wants to see it just to see if it'll terrify you as well. And if it doesn't you can say that your threshold for fear is superior to someone else's. I dunno, maybe I'm getting too analytical or something, anyway, what's everyone else's take.

[bloodyVALENTINE]

Part of me is thinking about the escapism... but part of me reckons that we live in such a restrictive world (where movies are no longer able to captivate an audience like back in the 'golden era'), that people need an energy release of some kind...

SOme go jogging...people find different ways, but it is clear that everyone who found this site enjoys the thrill and energy got from being scared. And being scared once is never enough. Like drugs the hardcore horror hound is always looking for the ever more scary film (something which, eventually, never exists...)

Well... I've come over all philosophical. Ponder on that for a while, before giving up and saying that you just like the site of blood, and the fear and fascination of death. Mwaahahahaha!

[Bloodybitch13]

Some people are seriously turned on by being scared. My cousin says it's a great way to get turned on without getting his hands messy.
/ubb/biggrin.gif

[Randy_Junior]

I think it's our obsession w/DEATH; like we want the thrill of it all, just w/o having to be chased by a psycho w/a big butcher knife!! The 'vicarious' thing gets us hooked. But I do also agree w/the 'turn-on' thing~getting a good scare is like a high, and us as the audience always want another hit.

[AntonioDelLago]

I think the reason why I'm still a horror fan is because I have been so desensitized, fear and shock are the only two feelings remaining in my emotional reservoir.

Also, themes of good vs. evil, lust, revenge, obsession and death are universal. Our primal urges force us to watch. Besides an action film like SPEED or DIE HARD, horror films and psychothrillers are the two genres which generate the most adrenaline.

[This message has been edited by AntonioDelLago (edited 06-15-2001).]

[SteveSzyk]

The Thrill...

...and the Cancer Preventing chemical released into the body when you get thrilled (I read that on some web-site and I though it was so cool)

[jason13th]

I like horror film that give you a lot of thrills and aiming some tensions, some fears and yes some cries and shouts.
Unfortunately these films are rare.
But it is good to feel alive.
Today is good day to die,Flatliners.

[JasonSlasher]

yea, just like jason13th said. why do we go on rollercoasters? it's almost the same thing. for the thrill, because we get enjoyment out of it.