In a discussion featured on WEMU.org and KSMU.org ahead of Halloween, All Things Considered producers Gabriel Sánchez and Brianna Scott joined host Sacha Pfeiffer to analyze why horror films remain enduringly popular. The NPR producers examined the enduring appeal of the genre, pointing to the visceral thrills and cinematic techniques that keep audiences coming back.
The Appeal of Chasing Terror
Brianna Scott explained that her lifelong affection for scary movies stems from watching them from a very young age—even noting her mother watched them while she was in the womb. Scott described her motivation as chasing tense, anxious, and excited feelings. Comparing her perspective to Hannah Einbinder’s character in the movie "Teenage Sex And Death At Camp Miasma," Scott stated that she wants to viscerally feel what characters experience and imagined herself inside several classic films, including going up against Freddy Krueger in "Nightmare On Elm Street," boarding the spaceship with Sigourney Weaver in the original "Alien," and swinging an axe in "The Shining."
Gabriel Sánchez Explains Mechanics of Successful Scary Movies
Gabriel Sánchez broke down the mechanics of what makes a successful scary movie, arguing that a strong film requires an equal balance between the terror of drama and lightness or comedy, noting that it is impossible to simply frighten people continuously for two hours. Sánchez also highlighted the role of misdirection, jumpscares, and tension-building fakeouts found in films like "Halloween" and "The Conjuring." Furthermore, the discussion touched on how specific chilling elements—such as the nursery rhyme chant from "A Nightmare On Elm Street"—can linger with viewers long after the credits roll.
