King describes horror as being defined through three basic elements. Explain, using references, what these three elements are. Think of a horror story you’ve read/watched/heard that makes use of all three of these elements and show how King’s definition is at play in that narrative.
Renowned American author Stephen King describes the horror genre as being defined through three central elements. These three elements are as follows, “terror on top, horror below it, and lowest of all, the gag reflex of revulsion” (King, 1981, p.37). A perfect example of a film that utilises all three elements of horror is John Carpenter’s “The Thing” (1982).
Firstly, terror. King (1981) states that genuine terror is the “unpleasant speculation called to mind” (p.34). Terror focuses less on the visual and more on the psychological aspects of horror by allowing the audience’s imagination to speculate the true dread. King (1981) elaborates that terror is “what, the mind wonders, might have been” (p.34). In “The Thing” (Carpenter, 1982), the alien’s true form is never actually revealed to the audience. Instead, the alien manifests and transforms itself into numerous distinct forms. This adds to the psychological terror of the film, as we are never able to gain a concrete understanding of the alien. Additionally, its ability to perfectly shapeshift into camp members instils the audience with a prolonged sense of paranoia throughout the film.
King (1981) states that horror is “that emotion of fear that underlies terror…because it is not entirely of mind. Horror also invites a physical reaction by showing us something which is physically wrong” (p.35). In “The Thing” (Carpenter, 1982), the physically wrong is presented though the alien and its numerous forms. The alien is often presented as exceptionally abnormal and frightful with tentacles and slime. Even when it assimilates to an animal or human host, it often deforms the host’s appearance when assaulting the camp inhabitants. For example, the character Bennings is taken over by the alien, eventually forming mutilated and visceral features.
Revulsion can be defined as the grotesque, unnatural and “gross-out” (King, 1981, p. 37) imagery commonly associated with the horror genre. King (1981) defines revulsion through the example of “Foul Play”, in which the baseball diamond is comprised of human viscera. In “The Thing” (Carpenter, 1982), the alien’s many forms are exceedingly visceral and slimy, closely resembling human flesh and intestines. Combined with acclaimed practical effects, the alien becomes truly disgusting and revolting in appearance.
By utilising all three of King’s (1981) elements of horror, “The Thing” (Carpenter, 1982) succeeds in horrifying audiences, cementing itself into horror history.
References.
Carpenter, J. (1982). The Thing.
King, S. (1981). Danse Macabre.
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