The First Horror Film Ever Made
General July 4th, 2010The First Horror Film Ever Made
Have you ever awakened at midnight after seeing a horror film? I think you must have. These days horror films are becoming increasingly popular. No one can deny the panicky effect that these films evoke.
The history of horror films can be traced back to the early days of Gothic novels, stories of monsters, vampires and devils. Since the days of "Anglo-Saxon age", there were chivalric romances, stories of ghosts and demons. From then onwards, ghost and devils in weird shadowy shapes that leave an evil effect have been personified in horror films.
If you really like this genre you must be wondering "what is the name of the first horror film?" or "when was the first horror film made?" Let us go through the history of horror films to find the answer.
When was the first horror film made?
Hold your breath and let me answer this. It was a well-known French filmmaker Georges Melies, who made the first horror film. The film was titled as Le Manoir Du Diable (French for: The House of the Devil). It was released in 1896, on Christmas Eve, in Paris. It was a two-minute long film and contained many traditional pantomime elements. This film also depicts a haunted castle and manor of the devil.
Plot of the movie in brief:
The film begins with a bat flying into a medieval castle. The bat circles slowly and transforms into Mephistopheles. Preparing a cauldron, the demon produces skeletons, ghosts, and witches from its bubbling contents. Then, the demon conjures a young girl and some other supernatural elements. When one of these supernatural agents hold up a crucifix, the Satan vanishes immediately.
History of horror films:
The element of horror was initiated during the classic age of English literary history. Some of them are Gothic novels like Dracula, Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, Phantom of the Opera and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Besides these, there were a sequence of Mummy films. If you want to know more, then read evolution of horror film.
After the Second World War, the devastation caused by war gave rise to three genres: the horror-of-personality films, the horror-of-Armageddon subgenre and the horror-of-the-demonic films.
However, during the age of modern and post-modernism, the element of sadistic horror and the supernatural ruled these films. Gore Verbinski’s "The Ring" released in 2002, can be named as one of the most effective horror films of the modern era. Steven Spielberg’s first notable film "Paranoiac Duel" (1972) casts a spell of sadistic horror. Here, we can mention William Malone’s "Fear Dotcom" (2002), and James Wan’s "Saw" (2004), sequels of which were released in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Recently, the film directors have introduced a new trend ‘chick flicks’, which have the element of traditional horror-adventure. For eg: Lions Gate’s awestricken and terrifying "The Descent" which was released in 2006. This film is regarded as the first chick flick and includes the element of female brutal action.
Thus, portraying the gloomy and forbidden side of life and death, these horror films evoke a mixed feeling of terror and fear blended with a feeling of pity for the protagonist. I hope you must have watched some horror movies. Have you seen "The Wizard Of Gore" by Jeremy Kasten, "Dracula 2000" by Patrick Lussier, "Halloween Night" by Mark Atkins? If not, then try to watch some of these.
| By Ajanta Bhattacharyya Published: 11/8/2008 |
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