The Impact of Early Horror Experiences on an Adult

As an adult, I have never been truly frightened by a horror movie. The superstitions and supernatural creatures depicted in these films are, in my opinion, unrealistic and childish. This article delves into my early experiences with horror and how they have shaped my viewing preferences over the years.

Horror Movies and My Childhood

The earliest horror experience that truly frightened me was a movie I watched as a child, "The Blob" from 1958. Despite its realistic portrayal and the fact that I later realized it wasn't genuinely scary, it instilled a fear that lasted several nights. I remember sitting in bed for hours on end, listening to talk-radio, waiting for the monster to emerge from the shadows. However, as an adult, I found the film palatable and often watched it with humor and a modicum of enjoyment.

Why Horror Movies Aren't Scary to Me

The 1980s were a golden age for horror films, particularly for slasher movies. The constant release of new horror films and the adaptation of horror into various forms of media, including cartoons, comic books, and even Disney films, meant that horror was ubiquitous during my formative years. This desensitization naturally led to a lessened fear of horror as a genre.

One of the most impactful horror films for me was "The Exorcist." The movie may lack the modern special effects but its sheer horror and intensity left a lasting impression. I still remember sleeping with the light on for two weeks after watching it, an experience I had never undergone before, even as a child.

Desensitization to Horror

My early exposure to horror extended beyond the movies. The 1980s were also the era of video nasties, banned films like "Texas Chainsaw Massacre," "Faces of Death," "Cannibal Holocaust," and "Evil Dead." These films, though often illegal, were sought after by young adults like myself, leading to a unique rite of passage. I became a distributor of these uncut horror movies, thanks to a VCR and access to a video store.

This early immersion into horror, combined with the presence of dark fairy tales and ghost stories, desensitized me to the genre. Rather than being scared, I found horror movies fascinating and often humorous.

Favorite Horror Films and Viewing Preferences

While I no longer find horror movies to be genuinely scary, I still have a soft spot for some of the lighter and more humorous horror films. One such series is "Tremors," with which I have a long-standing relationship. I own the first four films on DVD and have watched them frequently over the years. While the first two don't scare me, they do bring me joy. The latter films, while less impressive, still provide a mix of suspense and humor.

Ultimately, horror movies have become a part of my viewing habits, but they are no longer the source of intense fear they once were. They offer a form of entertainment and a way to revisit the vulnerabilities and fears of my childhood.