The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is gearing up for a chilling celebration of horror cinema with its upcoming exhibition, The Horror Show. This 10-month-long showcase, opening its doors on September 26, promises to be a thrilling journey through the dark and twisted world of horror movies. But what makes this exhibit truly fascinating is its focus on the emotional and cultural impact of horror, rather than just the scares and shocks.
The Horror Show is not your typical movie exhibit. It's a deep dive into the art and craft of horror, exploring why people love to be scared at the movies and how filmmakers satisfy that desire. The exhibition features six themed chambers, each revolving around a different horror subgenre, from Gothic to Slasher, Ghosts, and Religion. But what makes this exhibit truly unique is its emphasis on the emotional and cultural impact of horror, rather than just the scares and shocks.
One of the most intriguing aspects of The Horror Show is its focus on the original props, costumes, and production materials. These rare artifacts provide a glimpse into the creative process behind some of the most iconic horror films. For example, the exhibit features a mask from 'Creature of the Black Lagoon,' costumes from 'Midsommar,' and original storyboards from 'Psycho.' But what makes these artifacts truly fascinating is the way they reveal the creative process behind some of the most iconic horror films. For instance, the storyboards from 'Psycho' show how Alfred Hitchcock meticulously planned each shot to build tension and suspense.
The exhibit also includes interactive displays that allow visitors to explore the themes and motifs of horror films in greater depth. For example, one display might focus on the use of light and shadow in 'The Shining,' while another might explore the cultural significance of zombies in modern horror. But what makes these displays truly engaging is the way they encourage visitors to think critically about the themes and motifs of horror films. For instance, the display on zombies might prompt visitors to consider the cultural anxieties that underlie the popularity of zombie films.
The Horror Show is not just about the films themselves, but also about the people who create them. The advisory team for the exhibit includes Willem Dafoe and Osgood Perkins, both of whom have made significant contributions to the horror genre. Dafoe's statement about the enduring appeal of horror highlights the genre's ability to engage the senses and evoke a sense of wonder. Perkins, on the other hand, emphasizes the cultural and emotional impact of horror, suggesting that it provides a window into our evolving understanding of what it means to be alive on earth.
The exhibit also includes a variety of public programs and film screenings, such as the 50th anniversary screening of 'Carrie' with Sissy Spacek in person, and a Halloween night screening of 'The Craft.' But what makes these programs truly engaging is the way they encourage visitors to think critically about the cultural and emotional impact of horror. For example, the screening of 'Carrie' might prompt discussions about the role of women in horror and the enduring appeal of the genre.
The Horror Show is more than just an exhibit; it's an exploration of horror's emotional, cultural, and symbolic power. It examines why horror matters so deeply to many different types of communities and invites audiences to confront what frightens them—and discover why they keep coming back for more. But what makes this exhibit truly fascinating is its ability to engage the senses and evoke a sense of wonder, while also encouraging visitors to think critically about the cultural and emotional impact of horror.
In my opinion, The Horror Show is a must-see for anyone interested in the art and craft of horror movies. It's a thrilling journey through the dark and twisted world of horror, offering a unique perspective on the emotional and cultural impact of the genre. So, if you're a horror fan or just curious about the genre, be sure to check out The Horror Show when it opens its doors in September.
