This document discusses several psychological and social theories that attempt to explain why people are attracted to horror films: 1. Sigmund Freud's theory of the "uncanny" proposes that horror films produce cognitive dissonance by combining something familiar with something frightening, like a ghost that resembles a human. 2. Feminist film theorist Laura Mulvey's "sadistic voyeurism" theory suggests people enjoy scenes in horror films where a male character invades and abuses a female character's privacy. 3. The "snuggle theory" proposes that watching horror films with a romantic partner allows people to resort to traditional gender roles, with males providing support and protection to scared females, strengthening their bond.

1. Audience theory
Lewis and Emma

2. Starter
 Draw on your whiteboards a target
audience profile of a typical viewer of
horror films
 Think about Demographics and
Psychographics

3. Psychological Theory- The
Uncanny
 This was developed by Sigmund Freud, founder of
Psychodynamic theory (unconscious drives, internal
conflicts from childhood etc.)
 His theory of the Uncanny can help explain why
some people are so attracted to the horror genre
 The theory states that cognitive dissonance occurs
when something is familiar and foreign at the same
time.
 For example, people are attracted to paranormal
films because Ghosts are similar to the human form,
yet look frightening. This would be perceived as being
uncomfortably unfamiliar

4. Feminist Theory- Sadistic
Voyeurism
 This was developed by feminist film theorist
Laura Mulvey (the male gaze etc.)
 Her theory of sadistic voyeurism can also
explain why some people are attracted to the
horror genre.
 This is when a weaker female character is
performing a daily, personal or intimate task
(e.g getting changed or having sex) where a
strong male character abuses her privacy in a
sadistic way (think the shower scene in the
film, Psycho)

5. Social/Relationship Theory-
Snuggle Theory
 This suggests that people watch horror films
to resort back to their traditional gender roles
when a male watches the film with the
female.
 When a frightening scene occurs the male
takes on the traditional and cultural role of a
male who is supportive and protective over
the scared female.
 This can result in a stronger bond between
the couple.

6. Task
 Each group must have a different
theory.
 Create a poster which illustrates your
theory
 Use examples of films in your Poster
where appropriate

7. Finally…
 Present your poster to the class and
copy down the notes of your
classmates
 Now write down your own theory on
why people watch horror films.