'Slow Burn' or 'Fast Paced' Horror?
Horror movies are very nuanced. Some movies are very fast paced and give the avid Horror Fanatic, instant gratification to the killings. While other movies provide a more deliberate and gradual build into the story before the big payoff. Some people lean more towards the fast paced violence of some of the more thrilling movies like Train to Busan, or Evil Dead Rise. The movies don't give the person watching a chance to process what they are watching with all of the fast paced action. The slow burn movies tend to feed you breadcrumbs and lead you into the inevitable and metaphorical "fly trap", by leading you right into that big moment.
Lets examine a few of each;
Evil Dead Rise (2023)
Pacing Breakdown: After a brief prologue, the movie rapidly turns into an intense and bloody assault that barely gives the audience time to breathe. This engages people to stay on the edge of their seats waiting for the next thing to raise their heart rate.
The Shining (1980)
Pacing Breakdown: The director takes his time exploring the massive empty halls, tracking the mental decline of Jack and his descent into madness before any explicit violence occurs.
Due to both examples illustrated here, there are questions from both sides asking to 'why' there is a love for one, or a disdain for the other. From some of my personal interactions, some people choose one over the other and genuinely cannot bring themselves to finding a like for the other. Personally, I am a slow burn fan. I love to be teased with intellectual clues and those breadcrumbs that lead to the eventual big finish. Although the instant gratification and immediate action is enough to keep my blood pumping and sitting on the end of my seat, I still want the story as well.
My question would be, where do you see yourself as a horror fan? Do you love 'Slow Burn' or are you more of a lover of 'Fast Paced' horror? Can you find an appreciation for both? I mean, there are some fine examples of movies that can deliver both though. Providing an atmosphere, telling a story and then turning into a true nail-biter.
Alien (1979)
Patient exploration and atmospheric dread gradually give way to urgent survival horror.
The Descent (2005)
Claustrophobia and strained relationships establish tension before the film becomes much more physically frantic.
These are a few things I like to think of during my daily routines and since Horror is the nature of our podcast, it's naturally just a casual thought away. I invite each one of you reading this, to drop me a comment and let me know which horror movie style you prefer, and WHY you feel that way. I would love to hear your thoughts. Also, please give us some suggestions as to some of the questions you may have as well, being a horror fanatic like us. Thank you for supporting the Scream Freaks Podcast and......
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