Nightmare Gasoline overview: The psychology that underpins horror movies

Scary films actually get underneath our pores and skin, however why is that this the case and the way do film-makers know what is going to scare us? A brand new e book has some attention-grabbing solutions

By Elle Hunt

Nightmare Fuel

Nina Nesseth

Tor Nightfire

I HAVE pals who’re so afraid of sharks that they received’t swim within the sea – regardless of how enclosed the harbour, or full the seaside. Once I went cage diving with nice whites final 12 months, they have been appalled. But on the similar time, I observed, they couldn’t wait to see the footage.

This illustrates the idiosyncratic and inexplicable nature of worry. Whereas our wishes are inclined to run alongside constant strains – love, happiness, well being and wealth – what frightens us is commonly intensely private and even perverse.

So how do film-makers petrify their audiences? And …