PRACTICE EXAM2/ARGUMENTATION

In Steven Kings piece, "Why we crave horror movies," his argument is that each of us has a level of
mental illness; insanity, that gets fed when we watch horror movies, "I think that we're all mentally
ill; those of us outside the asylums only hide it a little better-and maybe not at all that much better,
after all,"(King 1).  His argument is based on observations of people he's known, "We've all known
people who talk to themselves, squinch their faces, have some hysterical fears," (King ).  He considers people who exhibit these traits as mentally ill, so when such people attend horror movies, they do so to feel normal.  My position as to why people attend horror movies is based on personal
experience.  Horror movies have always been thrilling, compelling, and exciting to watch.  The need to satisfy the above emotions is the appeal in my opinion.

Growing up in a strict, Christian household, many things were considered taboo.  Horror movies were not allow.  They were considered evil, satanic, and not healthy for children to watch.  We were always told, "you're going to have nightmares if you watch movies like that".  In order to watch a horror movie, it had to be late night when the parents were asleep, or out of the house.  Just the thrill of getting away with watching the movies, was almost as thrilling as the movie itself.

The anticipation of what horrible deed, or who the villain was going to devour, compelled the viewer to continue watching.  As the movie climaxed, with nail biting sound effects, it became increasingly compelling.  This is the point where the audience was on the edge of their seats, in anticipation for what was to come.

The anticipation for what was to come turned into excitement.  Sound effects, like the squeaking door or foot steps only increased the excitement.  Realizing it was just a movie, satisfied the appetite for gore.  So, in opposition to Kings belief that horror movies are craved to satisfy the mentally ill or insane, "those of us outside of the asylum only hide it a little better," (King 1).  I'd have to say, that the mass majority of horror movie watchers are perfectly sane.  They attend horror movies for the adrenaline rush.  Horror movies for some are entertaining, and for others feed the cravings for thrill seeking, withour having to jump out of a plane.