'The role of horror in entertainment.'

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‘The role of horror in entertainment.’

Its as if some strange force is at work inside us.  A certain curiosity which feeds on fear.  An intrigue hidden away, deep inside, which wills us towards dark horror.  Something woven into our genetic make-up, which makes us get a kick out of pain.  It’s somewhat unsettling to think that something quite so unnatural can make us more human.

Furthermore, the feeling of intrigue is so strong that we’re even willing to pay to be frightened.  Travelling ‘Freak Shows’ were extremely popular back in Victorian times.  Upper, middle and working class alike took great delight in visiting such events. They’d pay their few pence to the patron, and then, after a deep breath, they’d pluck up the courage and walk through the doors.  The doors of mystery.  

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What lay behind those doors were cages and cages of quivering silhouettes, stripped of their humanity, lowered to the status of performing animals.  People with missing or abnormal limbs, Dwarves, Siamese twins, Giants, all seen as dire monstrosities, yet today viewed as mere disabilities.

Visitors would be horrified at such unusual sights.  They’d turn away in disgust or look on in wonder.  They’d feel shock and relief simultaneously, as they gaze at the spectacle of these ‘freaks’.  Part of the reason for going was to feel better about themselves and feel glad at how lucky they were to ...

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