So, some friends went to see a horror movie (To remain nameless) this weekend. Prior to leaving for the gore-fest, I had been invited to go along - to which I quickly replied, "NO...Thank you!" (Loudly, without delayed hesitation).
I began thinking, when was the last horror movie I had seen in the theater and could not recall anything, except Jaws. When I was a baby, my parents for some reason took me to see Steven Spielberg's "Jaws" - I was traumatized and could not peacefully play in the ocean, or even in a swimming pool for that matter, without thinking about sharks - FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE...Now that was real horror.
Horror Evolved...
There was a phase when big screen horror movies were cheeky at best caused by things such as a great white shark (Jaws - Original only), a flock of birds (The Birds), a dog (Cujo), a haunted house (Amityville), space aliens (Alien, The Thing, Predator), zombies (Night of the Living Dead), vampires (Dracula), lab experiments (Frakenstein), the supernatural (Rosemary's Baby), video games (Evil Dead), the misguided (Psycho, Whatever happened to Baby Jane?, The Shining), and yes even "Killer Tomatoes".
Forget the psychological, it's about gore
Today's horror is no longer about mutant sharks (It's already been done - so no ideas about making a movie about mutant sharks), the horror movies of today are about severe acts of human against human violence; an entirely different kind of horror.
Can you say, "Shock Value"? Horror movies in the 21st Century really are not about being scary (What one would associate with a horror film), but rather more intent on shocking you with gore and violence. Again back to Jaws - you did not see the shark in more than 30% of the film, but the suspense and drama made the movie truly frightening, without the obvious display.
I would say the tidal wave returned right about the time The Blair Witch Project (1999) was released. Suddenly, everyone (Who had forgotten about horror) suddenly became aware of the cheap, do it yourself, indie horror of 'group in distress' concept.
A few years ago I had a conversation with a buddy who works for MySpace and I commented that horror was going to be really big in the next few years. I hate when I am right, because that's exactly what has happened, we are now drunk with horror genre movies.
So What's The Deal?
Under closer analysis, there have been more horror films than there have been big screen remakes of TV Shows (Ah yes, all roads lead back to TV). From an economical standpoint, there are obvious benefits:
- No big name talent required
- Inexpensive to make ($2-10 Million)
- No extensive story lines, dialogue, or writing required
- Target demographics (High School kids love to take dates to these movies)
- No back-end participation deals
- No merchandising of dolls, games, and rides at Universal
- Profitable opening weekends ($20 Million is about the norm)
- Unexplored franchise potential (Within the past 2 years, we are beginning to see more serious bankable horror sequels)
- Independently produced (No big studio required)
- Unknown filmmakers can become well known directors
Although these films are not of high degree of intellect and despite some of the obvious economical reasons, there are some not so obvious possible social implications. I have heard many sides of the debate from various groups including several domestic violence groups, religious groups, parental groups, and even Rosie O'Donnell (a little humour) - all have extremely valid concerns.
However - the bottom line is that as long as people continue in droves to see them in the theater, they will continue to sell. You as the consumer have all the power and your actions speak more than words.
The Random Daily is an extension of Val St. John's News Blog, StJohnDaily.com. 
