Psycho Horror

            In “The Paradox of Horror,” Noel Carroll attempts to answer the question of “why horror movies?” He theorizes why humans are drawn to them, even though they bring about emotions of disgust and displeasure. Eventually he comes to the conclusion that horror movies attract people because human beings like the suspense. They want to know what is going to happen to the characters, and they want to know their thought process.

            I completely agree with Carroll’s thought process, as I absolutely HATE horror movies but find it impossible to start watching them once I start. I cannot take my eyes away from the screen. This was my reaction to the movie Pyscho. I couldn’t take my eyes away from the screen, even though the killer scared me to the death. I think the plot of Psycho very much reflects Carroll’s theory of “why horror?” For example, while Psycho is a horror movie, the plot very much reflects that of a mystery. The audience is constantly wondering who the killer is and what his next move will be. Also, the movie is set up in a way in which many people seem suspicious. The killer could be Marion’s boss, as she stole money from him or her boyfriend, as she originally refused to marry him. However, it ends up being Norman. While this is not completely shocking, as she stayed in his house without really knowing him, the fact that he dressed up as his mother to kill her is the strange part. This twist ending is what keeps people in tune.

            Every event that takes place in the movie keeps people glued to the screen. While the events are quite disturbing, such as a crazy killer on the loose, the suspense from the movie keeps people watching. It is very strange that anyone in his or her right mind would want to watch something in which a person gets stabbed to death. However, I think Noel’s theory, that people are drawn to know what happens next, explains why people enjoy the movie Psycho. Also, just like Psycho, many horror movies are mystery stories. The plot line often has something the audience wants to know the reason behind. For example, the new movie IT is not just about a terrifying clown but also the story of misunderstood kids who try to save their town. The mystery aspect of horror movies and the real life elements included in the movies cause people to overlook the scariest and grotesque parts, due to their desire to know what happens next. Just as Carroll explains in his essay, human beings are curious and horror movies bring out the curiosity.