Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"What scares us is universal and it's, it's very common... So I think horror kind of quote unquote travels well, right? Around the world because you can see without understanding the language, if somebody is scared or not, and you can see if something is scary. So it's the imagery." — Craig Engler
"You know, there's this kind of thesis that like horror movies are very cathartic, right? You go through some trauma, but then you come out of it at the end and you're, you know, you're living this, you know, sort of in this fear, but then it's all fine and good. So you almost feel like better about, oh, I lived. I survived. I made it." — Craig Engler
"The other thing is we're always looking for the movie. A movie that has the point of view and is the best version of itself that it can be." — Craig Engler
The episode opens with a discussion on the power of horror to transcend language and culture, highlighting how universal fears like disease, decay, and the unknown resonate globally. Craig Engler emphasizes Shutter's commitment to curating films that are not only genuinely scary but also represent the most accomplished version of their respective subgenres, from extreme visceral content to meticulously crafted thrillers. The conversation delves into Shutter's methods for discovering international horror gems, often through film festivals and direct submissions, and addresses the initial hesitance some audiences have towards subtitles, framing it as a barrier overcome by engaging content.
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the communal experience of watching horror films, particularly in theaters, and how shared fear can be both terrifying and cathartic. Engler recounts personal experiences of being scared alongside fellow horror fans, underscoring the unique bonding aspect of communal fright. The evolution of horror is explored, touching on the success of digital-first productions like "Host" during the pandemic and the genre's ability to reflect societal anxieties, as seen in films like "Blood Quantum." The podcast hosts and Engler also speculate on the future of horror monsters, highlighting a desire for compelling werewolf and witch-centric films.
The latter part of the episode explores the successful blend of horror and comedy, with "Shaun of the Dead" cited as a prime example of a film that masterfully balances both. The importance of post-production elements like sound design and musical scores in amplifying horror's impact is also discussed, with "Jaws" and "Star Wars" being used as examples. The conversation concludes with speculative pitches for new horror concepts and a reaffirmation of horror's enduring appeal and Shutter's role in championing the genre.