There are two different stories in horror: internal and external. In external horror films, the evil comes from the outside, the other tribe, this thing in the darkness that we don't understand. Internal is the human heart.
John CarpenterRead
It's a very good time for horror. This business certainly has changed, but there's still room for serious horror films. Look at 28 Days Later, that's not a tongue-in-cheek picture.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Horror films have evolved, yet there remains an audience for serious narratives in this genre.
In this quote, John Carpenter reflects on the shifting landscape of the horror film industry, acknowledging that while trends may change, there is still significant potential for serious and impactful horror storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of authentic horror experiences, using the film '28 Days Later' as an example of a work that takes the genre seriously rather than relying on humor or ironic detachment.
Themes
HorrorFilmSeriousNarrativeArt
In practice
Example use cases
In a film class discussion, I referenced Carpenter's quote to emphasize the importance of depth in horror storytelling.
More from John Carpenter
All quotes βWhat scares me is what scares you. We're all afraid of the same things. That's why horror is such a powerful genre. All you have to do is ask yourself what frightens you and you'll know what frightens me.
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Film buffs who don't live in Hollywood have a fantasy about what it's like to be a director. Movies and the people who make movies have such glamour associated with them. But the truth is, it's not like that. It's very different. It's hard work.
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