Horror Movie Metaphors Then and Now

Horror movies have always been a way for filmmakers to explore our fears and anxieties. In the 1980s, horror movies were often used to reflect the social and political climate of the time. For example, the slasher films of the decade often dealt with issues of gender and sexual roles. Films like Halloween (1978) and Friday the 13th (1980) featured masked killers who preyed on young, innocent women. These films could be seen as a reflection of the growing fear of feminism and the changing role of women in society. Low budget zombie movies like Day of the Dead (1985) and Night of the Comet (1984) explored themes of nuclear holocaust and Lovecraftian horror from outer space.

In the 2020s, horror movies are still used to explore our fears and anxieties, but they are often more focused on the individual and the personal. Films like Get Out (2017) and Midsommar (2019) deal with issues of race, class, and trauma. These films are often more disturbing and unsettling than their 1980s counterparts, but they also offer a more complex and nuanced look at the human condition. Enhanced special effects can add to or subtly refine the horror, focusing more on plot than gore.

Here are some examples of horror movie metaphors from the 1980s and 2020s:

1980s:

• The slasher film: The slasher film is a subgenre of horror that typically features a masked killer who stalks and kills a group of teenagers. These films can be seen as a reflection of the growing fear of violence and crime in the 1980s.
• The alien invasion film: The alien invasion film is a subgenre of horror that typically features a group of people who must fight to survive against an alien invasion. These films can be seen as a reflection of the Cold War and the fear of nuclear war.
• The haunted house film: The haunted house film is a subgenre of horror that typically features a group of people who are trapped in a haunted house. These films can be seen as a reflection of the fear of the unknown and the supernatural.

2020s:

• The body horror film: The body horror film is a subgenre of horror that typically features graphic depictions of physical transformation and mutation. These films can be seen as a reflection of the fear of disease, infection, and the body itself.
• The psychological horror film: The psychological horror film is a subgenre of horror that typically focuses on the psychological effects of fear and trauma. These films can be seen as a reflection of the fear of the mind and the unknown.
• The social commentary horror film: The social commentary horror film is a subgenre of horror that uses the genre to explore social and political issues. These films can be seen as a way to raise awareness about important issues and to challenge the status quo.

Horror movies are a powerful way to explore our fears and anxieties, whether they be metaphysical or in a realistic setting. By understanding the metaphors that are used in these films, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.