Horror often occupies a unique and polarizing position in the film industry. It encompasses a spectrum that spans from the adrenaline-inducing thrill of slasher films to the pinnacle of cinematic artistry. In the hands of visionary directors, horror movies and thrillers have the power to transcend more than just their terrifying elements and become a high form of cinematic art. Join us in exploring the artistry of horror movies through the years, and stream some peak horror excellence on HBO Go and Lionsgate Play with PLDT Home!
What makes ‘high cinema’?
High cinema is characterized by its ability to provoke deep emotions, stimulate intellectual engagement, and push the boundaries of artistic expression. It goes beyond just providing entertainment but also leaving viewers with an experience that lingers long after the credits roll. High cinema challenges conventions, defies expectations and explores complex themes—a trifecta of elements that horror films throughout the years have accomplished.
The high cinema legacy of horror
From IMDb
Horror has always had a legacy of innovative cinematic films. Since the days of Alfred Hitchcock and his seminal horror films Psycho and The Birds, horror has always had high cinema in its veins. In the proceeding years, many film directors continued this tradition, with Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining arguably being the zenith of horror as high cinema at that time.
From IMDb
Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's novel, although famously disapproved by the author himself, transcended the source material to create a work of high cinema. Kubrick's direction delves deep into psychological horror, aiming to leave audiences in a state of unease even after the film ends. Through its ambiguity and metaphorical layers, the film transcends the simple label of 'horror' to explore isolation, madness, and the cyclical nature of violence.
The modern renaissance of horror high cinema
Courtesy of HBO Go
Despite its high cinema legacy, the horror genre struggled with being perceived as formulaic, relying on gore or jump scares to elicit reactions from its audiences and a twist reveal towards the end. These tropes are seen to be so ingrained in the horror genre that meta-horror films like Scream and The Cabin in the Woods give meta-commentary on those tropes while executing them as well.
From IMDb
Though there’s definite entertainment value in those kinds of horror films, we thankfully have a current cinematic landscape that has found room for both. The emergence of new, innovative filmmakers returned horror to its high cinema status, with the release of Jordan Peele’s Get Out being a flashpoint for the Renaissance.
From IMDb
Get Out defied tropes and established horror conventions at that point, and instead weaved a narrative filled with social commentary on race and prejudice. By fusing genuine horror elements with powerful allegory, "Get Out" resonated with audiences and garnered critical acclaim and accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. In doing so, it transcended the boundaries of traditional horror to explore complex themes and ignited a Renaissance within the genre.
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