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The Dictionary of Film Studies defines the horror film as representing "disturbing and dark subject matter, seeking to elicit responses of fear, terror, disgust, shock, suspense, and, of course, horror from their viewers." In the chapter "The American Nightmare: Horror in the 70s" from Hollywood from Vietnam to Reagan (2002), film critic Robin Wood declared that commonality between horror films are that "normality is threatened by the monster." This was further expanded upon by The Philosophy of Horror, or Parodoxes of the Heart by Noël Carroll who added that "repulsion must be pleasurable, as evidenced by the genre's popularity." Horror is particularly prominent in the cinema of Japan, Korea, Italy and Thailand, among other countries.ĭespite being the subject of social and legal controversy due to their subject matter, some horror films and franchises have seen major commercial success, influenced society and spawned several popular culture icons. The genre has been produced worldwide, varying in content and style between regions. Many sub-genres emerged in subsequent decades, including body horror, comedy horror, slasher films, supernatural horror and psychological horror. From origins in silent films and German Expressionism, horror only became a codified genre after the release of Dracula (1931). Early inspirations from before the development of film include folklore, religious beliefs and superstitions of different cultures, and the Gothic and horror literature of authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, Bram Stoker, and Mary Shelley. Horror films have existed for more than a century.
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Cinematic techniques used in horror films have been shown to provoke psychological reactions in an audience. Broad elements include monsters, apocalyptic events, and religious or folk beliefs. Horror films often explore dark subject matter and may deal with transgressive topics or themes. Horror is a film genre that seeks to elicit fear or disgust in its audience for entertainment purposes.
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