SAME OLD

I've watched a few 'Horror' films recently. I get them free from the local libraries. Selections include the Paranormal Activity series (1 to 4), Halloween and Poltergeist among others.

They are of varying quality with very few having a decent 'scare factor' but John Carpenter's Halloween still has some edgy moments and PA is quite well done in parts.

What frustrates me though is that they could be done better. The genre is not bad, in fact it's a hell of a lot better than the vampire, comic book hero and invaders from outer space genres. I just wish that a real good director like Scorcese would direct one. I know that Ridley Scott did the excellent Alien, Stanley Kubrick did a great  job with The Shining and Spielberg did his usual schmaltzy job with E.T. and Close Encounters but where are all the others.

The genre has lapsed into non-frightening but gross slasher films like the Friday the 13th  and Nightmare on Elm Street series.

I'd love to have a go at writing/designing one and if I did I'd try to make it as scary as hell while at the same time keeping it realistic without the usual cheap- tricks and cliches.

Some examples of what annoys me are:

Setting up video surveillance of paranormal activity and then not bothering to review the recordings.
This happens all the time in the Paranormal Activity series and similar films. They record things that go bump in the night like sleeping people levitating, knives flying up in the air, doors opening etc. but then don't watch the recordings or, if they do, don't show them to the obligatory sceptics (who usually end up decapitated).

Turning their back on the bad guy/spirit/monster after they've stabbed, shot or hit it. Invariable while they are sitting there with a relieved look on their face the monster sits up and comes back at them.

Entering houses, rooms, garages, cellars etc and not turning overhead lights on. If they do turn a light on it is usually a table lamp that you know will get knocked over and broken.

Hearing unusual sounds and not investigating them properly.

Not having a self defence plan in their mind, preferring to scream stupidly.

Not having enough petrol in the car.

etc.