Why Do Horror Movie Killers Choose to Kill?
Why Do Horror Movie Killers Choose to Kill?
Hundreds of horror movies have captivated audiences with their stories of fear and suspense. These films often feature one or more killers who are set on terrorizing and murdering their victims. But have you ever stopped to ask why? Why do horror movie killers choose the path of violence and death? In reality, the reasons for their actions vary greatly, from intense personal motives to inexplicable psychological conditions. Let's dive deeper into these enigmatic motives that drive horror movie killers.
The Revenge Motif
The most common reason for a killer's actions in horror movies is revenge. Many slasher killers are driven to commit violence because they are seeking vengeance for some perceived wrong or injustice suffered by themselves or a loved one. In these cases, the killer is often portrayed as a victim who must strike back against a real or imagined threat. The film Friday the 13th features a classic example of this motif, with Jason Voorhees seeking retribution for the death of his mother.
Thrill Killers, Trophy Killers, and Cannibals
While the revenge motif is prevalent, it is far from the only reason that horror movie killers commit their crimes. There are a variety of other psychological conditions that can prompt a person to become a killer.
Thrill Killers: These killers gain sexual or emotional pleasure from their acts. They may not necessarily seek to harm their victims but derive pleasure from the thrill of the kill and the damage inflicted upon them.
Trophy Killers: These killers collect items from their victims as souvenirs. In many cases, they kill to obtain a specific part of the victim, often taking care to avoid harming them. A Nightmare on Elm Street showcases a classic trophy killer, as Freddy Krueger takes special care to leave the victim's hands untouched when he kills them.
Cannibals: Sometimes, the killers in horror movies are simply hungry. These killers enjoy the consumption of human flesh and may kill their victims simply because they are hungry. In these cases, the killers may not have a specific motive beyond a desire to satisfy their desires.
Taking Action: A Voice in Their Head
In some horror movie killers, the reason for their actions is not so much a desire for revenge or pleasure, but a persistent and uncontrollable compulsion. In these cases, a voice or a sense of an internal demon drives the killer to commit violence. Sometimes, these killers may suffer from mental health conditions that make it difficult for them to control their impulses.
A prime example of this type of killer is the serial killer in the film Silence of the Lambs. Hannibal Lecter, a cannibalistic psychiatrist, is driven by a compulsion to kill and eat his victims. The film portrays his actions as a result of his condition, which makes it impossible for him to control his impulses.
Conclusion
Horrors movies provide a platform to explore the darkest corners of human psychology. Whether it is revenge, thrill seeking, the collection of trophies, cannibalism, or an uncontrollable voice in their head, horror movie killers each have a unique and compelling reason for their actions. These reasons serve to add depth to the films and make them all the more chilling and memorable.