Film making

Horror movies have a long and interesting history dating back to the 1890s. These films are designed to provoke fear from the viewers. Many scenes are intended to startle the audience through a combination of macabre and supernatural forces. These shows are intended to provide a safe outlet for hidden fears.

Plots often center around the occurrence of an evil force, event or person. Usually the central theme is based upon supernatural beings and happenings. Werewolves, ghosts, vampires, curses, haunted houses, disease outbreaks, zombies outbreaks and serial killers are common components in these films.

In the late 1890s, Georges Melies pioneered the release of thrillers, they were short silent films. His 1896 film, The House of the Devil, is widely considered to be first thriller ever released. He followed it up with a 1898 release of Cave of the Unholy One.

The early thriller films were based on elements from Gothic literature. Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde, Dracula, the Phantom of the Opera and Frankenstein are among the most historic thrillers. Edison Studio's 1910 production of Frankenstein was regarded as bone-chilling.

Hollywood studios began releasing thrillers during the early 20th Century. The Hunchback of Notre Dame, from 1923, and The Monster, from 1925, both starred Lon Chaney, Senior. He is considered to be the first American thriller movie star. Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi were other early American actors who built their careers around their starring roles in these types of films.

The genre gained widespread popularity in the early 1930s. One influential monster make-up artist and set-designer was Jack Pierce. He became famous for creating iconic monster masks and costumes.

The productions of Dracula and Frankenstein were introduced in 1931. These were major successes. In 1933, Hollywood studios released The Invisible Man. This film was notable for its blending of Gothic and science fiction themes. A lot of films from this period were influenced by German expressionist releases during the 1920s. The plots continued to thrill audiences, but they began to incorporate serious components as well.

The technological growth during the 1950s influenced the genre. Two sub-categories evolved, films based on demonic themes, and those centered on Armageddon. Producers believed these themes had more relevance to their audiences.

Japanese studios began releasing a stream of low-budget thrillers in the 1950s. Many experts believe they were influenced by the terrible after-affects from the nuclear bombing of World War II. These films centered on over-coming threats from alien invasions and deadly mutations of people, plants, animals and insects.

In the 1960s, producers continued to focus on ghosts and monsters, but they began incorporating more science fiction elements. The 1963 release of The Haunting, and the 1968 release of Rosemary's Baby exemplify this trend.

The notorious and prolific British producer, Alfred Hitchcock, began incorporating modern back-drops to films. Some of his early notable productions include Rear Window (1954), Vertigo (1958), and Psycho (1960). His 1963 production of The Birds is considered to be the earliest example of nature-gone-mad themes.

Modern horror movies continue to thrill audiences. Although advanced film-making techniques and special effects are often incorporated today, the films continue to be designed to elicit bone-tingling chills and gasps from viewers.