Cruelty and obscenity. Why people love to be afraid (PDF)

Seminar paper from the year 2023 in the subject Philosophy - Philosophy of the present, grade: 0,8, , language: English, abstract: Whether popular films such as Conjuring, Halloween or Scream - horror films are becoming more and more popular every year. The beginning of this widespread popularity started as early as 1913 with the creation of the first major horror movie in Germany, "The Student of Prague".1 Over the decades, there was an abrupt development in the film industry. Horror films were no longer designed solely to shock their viewers, but rather to terrify them through the use of effects. This development continues to this day, with scenes and storylines based on making them as realistic as possible. In view of this fact, obscene and at the same time provocative depictions have emerged without any form of morality or sense of guilt.2 Thus, the sole purpose of cinematic horror is to maintain the taboo.3 The reason why we as humans feel a desire to be creeped out, to be afraid or even to indulge in fear has been the subject of clear attempts to clarify for some time. Many who deal with this question assume that the main cause is the effect that is based on the reaction to what is shown. However, evolution and our role at that time also represent an important point. This seminar paper will attempt to find an answer and thus a reason for the far-reaching popularity of the horror genre. In addition, the dangers of realism in today's film industry will be explained. Various perspectives, approaches and theories will serve as a methodology to clarify the aforementioned questions. In order to convey a general understanding of exactly what aspects the genre of horror contains, it is important to go into the scenic methods it claims for itself and to show the versatility of the mode of representation. Subsequently, as an introductory part to the main question of this elaboration, an attempt is made to establish a definition of fear. Various approaches to the question of why people love to be afraid are then presented. In addition, the consequences that go hand in hand with the brutality and realism of the portrayal are presented. Finally, the insights gained from the seminar paper are evaluated and briefly summarized.