Does 1970s Horror Feel More Real Than Modern Horror?

The question of whether 1970s horror films feel more realistic compared to modern horror is one that many cinephiles and horror enthusiasts have pondered over. This era of cinema, particularly influenced by Italian exploitation films like Mondo Cane, brought a gritty realism that often left audiences on the edge of their seats.

The Influence of Mondo Cane

Mondo Cane, released in 1962, was a fraudulent documentary that aimed to shock Western audiences with its depictions of cultural horrors from around the world. This paved the way for a genre now known as "Mondo" films, which heavily influenced many later horror films of the 1960s and 1970s. The term "exquisite corpse," which describes the crafted and often flat visuals meant to appear extremely real, is a key factor in how these films captivated audiences.

A notable example is Cannibal Holocaust. The director faced charges of murder due to the convincing nature of the deaths depicted in the film, forcing him to present the living cast to the judge.

Comparison of 1970s Horror to Modern Horror

Exploring the differences between 1970s and modern horror, it becomes clear that the earlier films were more focused on psychological and realistic horror, often lacking the flashy special effects and pursuit of shock value seen in today's films. While modern horror films may rely heavily on special effects and CGI, 1970s horror films were known for their grittiness and depth of storytelling.

Quality and Realism in Early Horror Films

Compared to today's horror films, 1970s horrors had a warm, gritty feel that often made them feel more real and engaging. Films like Texas Chainsaw Massacre are particularly striking. At 13, the film left a lasting impact on me, not just because of the scares, but because of how psychologically damaging it felt.

While modern horror films often prioritize flashy visuals and special effects, the quality of acting and practical makeup effects are often lacking. Cinematic advancements in horror films are primarily in the realm of CGI, which can sometimes detract from the emotional depth of the story.

Evolving Resources in Horror Filmmaking

Early horror films often lacked the resources that modern films can command. To compensate, they had to rely on realism, shock value, and deep, often exploitative storylines. Last House on the Left, for example, is deeply exploitative and uses a drug deal gone wrong to depict torture and murder. This story was loosely based on real-life events, providing a stark contrast to today's more dramatized and dramatized horror.

Eaten Alive features a hotel owner luring people to their deaths to feed a crocodile, with the story loosely based on actual events. Even films like It's Alive, which involves a deranged fetus stemming from a contraceptive drug, is rooted in real-life complications like the infamous Thalidomide. Similarly, The Exorcist was loosely based on a real-life incident, adding to its realism.

One can argue that early horror films made a point of making audiences care about the characters. Even those we despise, like Texas Chainsaw Massacre's Franklin Hardesty, still manage to evoke some level of sympathy. Conversely, modern horror films often lack the depth of character development, leaving their stories hollow.

Conclusion

While modern horror films have certainly advanced in terms of special effects and production values, they often fall short when it comes to psychological realism and character development. The 1970s horror films, with their gritty realism and resourceful storytelling, often provided a more visceral and emotionally engaging experience. As such, the realism of 1970s horror arguably feels more impactful and timeless than many modern horror films that prioritize spectacle over substance.