Why we like horror movies

Movie goers flock to horror movies about aliens, vampires and the end of the world - so why do we like to go to these movie and be scared? University of Minnesota art history professor Robert Silberman discusses how we enjoy fear in a contained environment - therefore making it entertaining instead of frightening. In addition, he hypothesizes that film allows us to work through our own fears and anxieties. Films about vampires often deal with issues like human sexuality from the days of Nosverato to the current Twilight series. Directors from Hitchcock to M. Night Shyamalan know how to touch on our nerves by focusing on the small details like music and lighting.

Clips courtesy of Paramount and Sony Pictures: Paranormal Activity and The Stepfather.

This video is part of the Expert Perspectives series at the University of Minnesota.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• University
• of
• Minnesota
• UMN
• Goldy
• Gophers
• Horror
• Movies
• Scary
• Cinema
• vampires
• fear
• aliens
• end
• the
• world

[XxXBloodshotXxX]

i have to admit...paranormal activity was fun but when i go home and shit goes down i freak out.

[coffeeintheface]

I had Rob for a film class this semester. He's the single rudest, most arrogant, and most egomaniac son of a bitch I have ever met in my life.

[grunder20]

Its the suspense factor that captures us.

[thegreeensky]

nice prof.. i love horror!

[darkangel1586]

is he getting an orgasm at 3:27 ????

creepy dude !!

[bigbigbigmic]

press 8 for creepy laugh

[Nightavenger2]

You'll be glad to know that I walk with a zombie was featured in the last episode of the tv show on ABC Family Pretty Little liars.

[Nightavenger2]

@marxsizmo I don't think that's a bad comparison. A bad comparison would be playing tackle football, and painting.

[bain0038]

great professor

[GreenDayzz96]

he seams scared

[k0n14k]

is there a Robert Silberman fan club?