Quote:
Originally Posted by neverending
I'm not going to comment on ils, because I haven't seen it, but on the notion that if someone's a horror fan they shouldn't expect much in the way of plot- or character development.
This is, IMO, why so many modern horror films are crap, or not all they could be, anyway. I know from talking to many young horror fans in my work that indeed all they want to see is people dying in "interesting" ways.
I want more, and if a film doesn't give it to me, I don't enjoy it as much. Halloween HAS character development, and that's why you care if Laurie makes it out alive or not. I liked House of 1,000 Corpses more than Devil's Rejects because there was more of a plot to keep me interested. I thought Candyman was 100 times better than Midnight Meat Train because it had both compelling characters and an interesting plot- both of which were missing from Midnight Meat Train.
IMO, if you're a horror fan who happens to enjoy films that give you more than the simple thrill of seeing people in peril, it's perfectly legitimate to complain if you don't get it.
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i agree with all of this ..
but i'll add that for me there are different films for different moods.
sometimes i can enjoy a lesser film for really cool effects.
others if there is a well built tension
As you said I'm going to enjoy a film more completely if all of the elements - especially character developement are present (i keep going back to session 9 as an example)
but that doesnt mean i wont find something to like about a film without a complex plot or character developement if the other aspects are present and well executed.
look at the most touted films on most horror forums ... the feddies, the jasons, the michaels ... People who pride themselves on being 'real horror fans' absolutely love them.
I'm not crazy about them myself - for all the reasons mentioned above... characters i could care less about ..etc...
but regarding Ils (or Them as it's called in the US) i found i did care about the characters even though there wasnt a back story - because i was them... I found that it was highly realistic - a day in the life of .. you immediately became one with them and experienced their confusion and terror because it was so realistic... one minute you're asleep, the next you're in a lot of trouble.
No subplots - nothing but survival.. just like it would be if it was real.
I think Chrono alluded to this - but often setting up the characters might make you feel for them in a disney sort of way - but it's usually done in a very contrived manner .. full of bullshit forshadowing and other devices that seperate you from the characters. you care for them - but you are seperate - watching them.
for me - Them made me experience what they were experiencing.
Something i found far more effective than just caring for the characters cause they're nice folks.