The history of the horror film is chequered, but these days its relationship with Hollywood is even more troubled. The golden era for the horror movie can be defined only by personal preference, from black and white classics such as Murnau's "Nosferatu" (1922), to the atmospheric suburban America of the 70s in John Carpenter's "Halloween".
Horror films can date badly, and few classics can stand the test of time. Films such as "Psycho" and "The Haunting" (both of which have been re-made recently) are films which stand out, and can still thrill. Hollywood's need to re-make such films demonstrates the lack of imagination currently being put to use in this genre. Most recently successful horror films have been surprise hits, revolving around mainly supernatural tales. "The Sixth Sense" and "The Blair Witch Project" relied much more on the element of implied horror, a more subtle technique which has fallen by the wayside recently as slash and stalk movie has become more popular.
Forthcoming film, "Scary Movie" is another example of how this genre has changed. A comedy based on other modern day horror films, it points out the stupidity that is inherent in today's scary movies. It is an amusingly crude ride, which spoofs the horror movie from start to finish.
Whatever films make you jump, it seems that only one group of people need fear horror films - the American teenager, who is so readily disposed of in most current releases.
