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The horror genre brings unique aspects to a movie. Monsters, zombies, severed heads, people flambé, all used in horror films a great deal. The fans enjoy it, and the others ignore it. But is there a line in horror that one should not cross? Does the phrase "How far is too far?" have clout within the world of horror movies? I'm not too sure, to be honest.
The idealist part of me says, "HEY! Art is art, creativity should be allowed to flourish and explode, and no one has the right to limit your imagination!" But the realist in me says, "If I make a movie where puppies beat little children and then eat the pope, people are gonna be pissed. I might get sued and/or lynched. I bet that isn't a fun time." The argument of what is art is so vague and emotional that it could drive a person mad. It's one big grey area, with no black or white to be seen.
With film, the creator has the ability to push the envelope further than most other forms of art. Aural, visual and literal art are all collaborated, and the final product is full-on sensory experience. Horror has taken this capability to the edge of what people will stand and stomach. Cannibalism, child-murder, dismembering of various body parts, no taboo or nausea-inducing act is off-limits for the cult genre. There is one rule that I think should exist however: don't break any laws.
Some would say that an invisible line does exist within this world of horror though. Actor Charlie Sheen got a hold of a series of films known as the GUINEA PIG films. Created by Satoru Ogura, these were psuedo-snuff films, made to quench the thirst of any gore hound and make queasy even the most iron stomachs. The blood 
Emilio Estevez's brother. |
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flowed, the gore came in piles, and it all seemed very real. When Sheen found them, he contacted the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) and was convinced they were real. The MPAA then contacted the FBI, which was investigating the films already.
In another case, a man was arrested and even charged a fine for importing some of the movies. Though not real, "'It falls into the category of a snuff video,' said the prosecution, later adding 'this is not an Asian girl alive being murdered, but something that is so well simulated that that is the impression it creates.' "
If a film does not commit any illegal activity, does the law have any right to get involved? Well, it did with the case above. I believe, film is the best medium for someone to tell a story a specific way. If you only hear it or read it, you create images of your own. But with film it's right there in front of you. So if people dies, limbs fly off, heads implode, so be it. That's the story that is being told.
In movie theaters there is a rating system, same things for renting movies. If a movie is deemed too graphic for certain ages, it is branded as so. As mature adults, we are supposed to be able to deal with certain aspects of life that children might not be ready for. We don't have to like it or even respect it, that's ludicrous. I don't enjoy Ben Stiller, but I'm not gonna write letters complaining about him.
So I have concluded absolutely nothing. Is there a point where no person should reach in horror? Ye. No. Maybe. 42. Really, I don't think this is a question that can be answered. But if you find one, please send it to me. I'd love to leech off your intelligence.
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| The Lair of the Mad |
Every other Tuesday
'The Lair' discusses the many aspects and qualities of the horror genre. From actors, to make-up, to music, James Shafie explores everything the "cult" genre spews up.
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| James Shafie |
James Shafie is an avid watcher of movies of all sorts, but the horror genre is closest to his heart. He loves to read and is addicted to music, mostly metal and it’s thousands of sub-genres. He was once fired by Blockbuster, which we see as a strong character trait.
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