The Effects of Watching a Horror Movie

The Effects of Watching A Horror Movie Sherri Hutto

South University Online

Over the span of modern history, we have seen the film industry help mold our society in many ways. Over the past two decades, I have seen the Sci-fi horror movies take center stage to entertain us. I will explain in this essay my past experiences, feelings, responses, and fantasies while watching horror movies. My first horror movie, “Friday the 13th”, was at the very least a suspenseful movie that kept me on the edge of my seat. The main character in the story, Jason, could be seen wearing a dark jumpsuit with a white face mask and usually carried a machete in his hand. He was readily available at any turn to chase teenagers and kill them with his weapon with no remorse. Being a teenager myself, I would often wonder why I chose this movie because his victims were teenagers as well and I suppose that had an effect on me subconsciously. Insanely enough, I continued on watching all of the Friday the 13th movies, as well as other horror movies in the years to come. Although I was a teenager watching this particular movie, I was usually alone….in the dark. Some say I was insane to attempt to watch a movie of that nature alone at my age. Others say it was a great idea and added to the suspense. I will have to admit, when I was growing up, I did not scare easily but the effect it had on me at the moment was a little frightening. While watching the movie alone, I felt like Jason was chasing me and that was very un-nerving. The music that was played in the prelude to each murder really did scare me profoundly. I remember shouting at the television, “Run Faster” or “Be Quiet”. I had to hug my pillow for security reasons. I can hear the music playing in my head now. Even years later, I can still remember it vividly. Insanity can be a part of us all. The following may help to prove this theory. I remember my response and feelings after the movie ended. I was intrigued and fascinated and was left wanting more. I didn’t want the movie to end because the dramatic effects and suspense left me wondering what was next. I didn’t like seeing the bloody murders but it fully entertained me throughout the movie without a dull moment. I couldn’t imagine these events happening in real life. I would briefly fantisize about playing a part in one of the murder scenes. I believe that I could run faster than they did to get away from that killing monster. What about the random teenagers that just couldn’t stop breathing hard and whimpering just before Jason found them. Some questions that entered my mind was, now that I have watched this scary movie, will I have nightmares to follow? Could this actually happen to me? Is there someone crazy enough to commit such heinous crimes? I remember thinking that if I were them, I would definitely have more self-control, but I was so scared that I was biting my tongue and clinching my fists. While watching the movie, I was so involved that I imagined what my decisions would realistically be if I were going through the same thing. Would I try to fight back? Would I pass out from being fearful? I’m glad that I don’t have to worry about those things happening to me because; after all it was just a movie.

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