A Cinematic Odyssey Through Halloween Horror Films
BY: Neighbors’ Consejo|
In the dim glow of the silver screen, Halloween takes on a spine-chilling allure, beckoning thrill-seekers and lovers of the macabre into a world where shadows dance and fear reigns supreme. As the autumn leaves rustle and the moon casts an eerie glow, we embark on a cinematic journey through the heart-pounding realm of Halloween horror films.
Although opinions may vary, according to EMPIRE [1] , some of the best horror films are: Saw (2004); Hellraiser (1987); Drag Me To Hell (2009); Audition (1999); Cat People (1942); The Devil Rides Out (1968); A Quiet Place (2018); Kill List (2011); Nosferatu (1922); Poltergeist (1981); The Conjuring (2013); Day of the Dead (1985); etc. Have you watched any of these?
And, since at Neighbors’ Consejo we are driven by the mental health of our neighbors, we believe horror movies can affect wellbeing. According to Psycom [2] , “while horror movies are meant to entertain, the problem is that these negative stereotypes surrounding mental health disorders can have real-world consequences, ultimately impacting peoples’ perception of those with mental health disorders.”
On the other hand, CNET [3] affirms, “horror movies don’t feel very relaxing. The brain doesn’t always clearly distinguish between fantasy and reality, so when I watch a zombie movie, parts of my brain reacts as though it’s me being chased down by the shambling undead, as an August 2020 study Neurolmage [4] showed. That means that horror movies can trigger your nervous system’s fear response, also known as the “fight or flight” response, in some of the same ways that a real-life scary event can.”
“It is no secret that watching horror films can have an impact on one’s mental health. They can arouse feelings of discomfort and even trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which alters the brain’s chemistry. Horror has also had a negative impact on people’s attitudes toward the mentally ill. Moreover, horror incorporates some of the most dreadful phobias people have had since birth [5] .”
So, as we exit the cinematic labyrinth of Halloween horrors, we carry with us not only the lingering shivers but also a newfound appreciation for the role these films play in the intricate tapestry of our emotional landscape. They are more than just tales of terror; they reflect our shared humanity, reminding us that, even in the darkest corners of our imagination, there is an opportunity of self-discovery and, ultimately, a cathartic release that may contribute to our overall wellbeing.
[1]https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/best-horror-movies/
[2]https://www.psycom.net/mental-health-wellbeing/horror-movies-mental-health-stigma
[3]https://www.cnet.com/health/how-scary-movies-can-help-you-de-stress-according-to-science/
[4]https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811920300094?via%3Dihub
[5]https://www.byarcadia.org/post/horror-film-101-how-horror-affects-mental-health