Did Horror Get Scarier?

This weekend, I watched a classic horror movie for the first time: The Exorcist. As a horror movie fan, I have no idea how I went this long without watching this movie. Well, I was extremely disappointed with it. I watched my unrated DVD cut that claimed on the box as "The Scariest Movie Of All Time," and finished the movie feeling very underwhelmed. This got me thinking; What am I missing? Am I immune to the effects of the film because of the years of horror movies I've watched? Or have horror movies gotten scarier over the years? Join me as I break this down.

Horror movies have evolved significantly over the years, and while classics like The Exorcist from the early 70s still hold a special place in the genre's history, modern horror films have found ways to be even scarier. The primary reason for this heightened fear factor comes from a variety of reasons.

One of the most significant differences between horror movies of the early 70s and today is the technological leap in filmmaking. In the past, directors relied heavily on practical effects, makeup, and practical stunts to create terrifying moments. While this resulted in some iconic and memorable scenes, it also had its limitations. Today, filmmakers have access to advanced CGI and special effects that can enhance the horror experience and create more realistic and terrifying visuals. The demonic possessions and supernatural elements that were once difficult to portray and now seem somewhat cheesy to us now come to life in more convincing and chilling ways, increasing the scare factor.

Additionally, in recent years, horror movies have increasingly embraced unconventional storytelling techniques. Filmmakers have explored non-linear narratives, unreliable narrators, and ambiguous endings, which can leave audiences feeling disturbed long after the credits roll. This type of traditional storytelling adds an extra layer of fear and unease, making modern horror movies stand out as more unpredictable and unsettling than their classic predecessors.

I believe that another valid argument for the reason being The Exorcist's deteriorating fear factor is that both myself and society as a whole have become desensitized to things that are considered frightening.

In the age of the internet, people have easy access to a plethora of gruesome and horrifying content. From real-life violence to gory video games, modern society has been exposed to an abundance of unsettling images and experiences. As a consequence, classic horror movies like The Exorcist may struggle to match the intensity of the disturbing content audiences encounter on a daily basis.

The horror genre has also seen a substantial increase in production over the years. While The Exorcist was a standout horror film in the '70s, the market is now flooded with countless horror movies, varying in quality and scare factor. As a result, viewers may have become desensitized to the genre as a whole, including classic horror films.

This is somewhat of a tangent, but I'm going on it anyway because I have a point to make. I jokingly made the comment to my roommate that maybe The Exorcist was scarier back then because they hadn't experienced 9/11. Thinking about it some more, I really do think this may be part of the reason. I've always heard that horror movies tend to reflect societal fears, and I believe that horror movies post-9/11 demonstrate this.

The terrorist attacks of 9/11 left a lasting impact on American society and the world at large. In the wake of this tragic event, people's fears and anxieties shifted dramatically, and these changes were reflected in various aspects of popular culture, including horror movies. The genre began to evolve, taking on new dimensions that tapped into the heightened societal fears and anxieties of the post-9/11 era.

The events of 9/11 showcased the potential for real-world terror and violence on an unimaginable scale. As a result, horror filmmakers began drawing inspiration from contemporary fears and threats, resulting in movies that felt more relevant and unsettling. Some examples of this include 2008's Cloverfield and 2005's War of the Worlds.

The attacks also highlighted the vulnerability of societies to unseen threats and instilled a fear of the unknown. Horror movies started to explore themes of invasion and hidden enemies, reflecting concerns about the erosion of personal safety and security. One example of this includes 2008's The Strangers and the popular early 2000s found footage horror franchise Paranormal Activity.

In conclusion, my experience watching The Exorcist for the first time led me to ponder the reasons behind its underwhelming scare factor compared to modern horror movies. It became evident that horror films have evolved significantly over the years, benefiting from advances in technology, storytelling techniques, and societal changes. I explored the idea that societal events, such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks, may have influenced the evolution of horror movies and our feelings about them. Post-9/11, the genre began reflecting contemporary fears and anxieties, exploring themes of invasion, hidden enemies, and the fear of the unknown. This shift in focus made horror films more relevant and unsettling, drawing inspiration from the vulnerability of societies to unseen threats.

In the end, while The Exorcist remains an essential part of horror movie history, its scare factor might not be as potent for modern audiences, given the changes in the genre and society's exposure to disturbing content. Nonetheless, as a horror movie fan, it's essential to appreciate the impact and influence that classics like The Exorcist have had on the horror genre, paving the way for the terrifying and innovative films we enjoy today.