The Devil in Horror: Fiction's Frightening Form

Horror movies often present the devil in a frightening form, but does this represent real-life events or is it merely a fictional construct? The phrase 'based on real facts' is frequently used to draw viewers into a story, but how true are these stories to real life, and why is the devil portrayed in such a way?

Deviating from Reality

Horror movies may use real-life events as a starting point, but they often distort and exaggerate the facts to create a more terrifying experience. Serial killers in Texas or other real-life events are typically dramatized to an extent that they no longer bear resemblance to the original occurrences. Masked slasher movies, for example, can exaggerate or alter events so much that they become pure fictional creations.

Horror genres exist not to educate but to horrify and evoke a specific emotion. They explore the darker aspects of the human psyche, showcasing a dark morality play. The desire to seek revenge on enemies often fuels these narratives, encouraging viewers to immerse themselves in the story through a form of catharsis.

Using Facts as a Draw

The phrase 'based on real facts' can be seen as a deceptive marketing tool. It encourages viewers to suspend disbelief, making it easier for them to engage with the movie's narrative. However, many horror movies, such as zombie films and exorcism horror, have long claimed this title before their narratives became more fantastical.

Exorcism horror movies, in particular, focus on the horror of parents facing a child who may be metaphysically kidnapped by a demon. While this presents a compelling story, it deviates significantly from the realities of parenting a mentally ill or autistic child. Real experiences of parenting are far less sensational and do not typically involve supernatural elements.

Portraying the Devil

The portrayal of the devil in horror movies is often based on what serves the plot best. A big, scary, horned devil works wonders for evangelicals, creating an atmosphere that resonates with their beliefs. Other viewers might find 'the devil you know' to be more terrifying, taking inspiration from personal or societal fears.

It's important to note that the devil can be portrayed in different ways. Sometimes, he appears as a charmer, seducing people with promises that align with their desires. However, in horror movies, people generally want a monster or something frightening, such as Damien Omen, to create that sense of terror.

Ultimately, the depiction of the devil in horror movies is a tool to maintain suspense and frighten the audience. The true facts rarely play a significant role in shaping these narratives, as the primary goal is to create an engaging and terrifying experience.

Viewers should be mindful of the line between reality and fiction when consuming horror movies. While some may want to believe that the events shown in the movies reflect real-life occurrences, it is important to remember that these are often dramatic exaggerations designed to elicit fear and an emotional response.