Further Moratoria

Warren, over at Warrenzone, has a good, funny post today suggesting some other horror moratoriums, after I called for no more horror about horror a while back.

Warren and I disagree about the horror-about-horror thing, but I agree with a lot of what he has to say about the tired-ass cliches of mainstream horror films that love the dollar, but not the genre, ideas, or heart of horror.

The point I think he’s most right on is the twist endings point. That’s got to stop. M. Night Shyamalan is the worst offender, and if he doesn’t watch it, it’s going to ruin his career. It’s what he’s famous for now and it keeps the audience looking ahead in the film, trying to figure out the ending, rather than being in the moment of the film and enjoying what’s happening, you know,now.

This, of course, keeps the audience from really enjoying the writing, craft, or acting of the film unless it has the great twist they’re expecting. And when they’re already looking for it, you’re going to have a hell of a hard time tricking people.

The twist doesn’t surprise anymore because we’re so conditioned to expect it. Give it a break for a year or two, folks, and it’ll be great again. Just like letting fields lie fallow – you’ll get more out of them if you wait a bit and give them a rest.

Warren, sorry you had to endure Hide and Seek (Becky, good thing I talked you out of seeing this one, huh? :-)), but thanks for the good, funny post.