An Investigation into the Role of Technology in Horror Movies

Horror movies have long been a staple of the entertainment industry, drawing audiences in with their ability to evoke fear and suspense. Over the years, technology has played an increasingly significant role in the genre, with filmmakers using the latest advancements to create new and terrifying experiences for viewers. From sentient robots to ghostly phone calls, technology, be it the use of AI in horror movies or AR/VR, has been utilised in a variety of ways to bring horror to life on the big screen.

This blog post will explore the intersection of technology and horror, examining how filmmakers have used technology to enhance the genre and scare audiences in new and inventive ways. We will delve into some of the most iconic horror movies that have incorporated technology and explore the impact that technology has had on the horror genre as a whole. Whether you're a fan of horror movies or simply interested in technology's role in shaping our culture, this post will undoubtedly provide insight into this fascinating topic.

How Technology Is Used in Horror Movies

Technology has been used in various ways to create horror movies that captivate and terrify audiences. Here are some common examples:

• Special Effects 

Technological advancements allow filmmakers to create increasingly realistic and impressive special effects, often used to develop terrifying creatures, gore, and other gruesome visuals. From computer-generated imagery (CGI) to practical impacts, filmmakers can bring their visions to life in ways that were not possible before. 

• Sound Design 

Sound design is a crucial aspect of any horror movie, and technology has allowed filmmakers to create more immersive and terrifying soundscapes. From subtle ambient noises to jarring sound effects, sound design can heighten the tension and make the audience feel like they are part of the horror. 

• Virtual Reality 

With the rise of virtual reality technology, filmmakers are exploring new ways to immerse audiences in their horror movies. VR allows viewers to experience the horror firsthand, making them feel like they are genuinely in the middle of the action.

In the horror movie "The Call Up," VR technology is used to create a sense of immersion for both the characters in the film and the viewers. The movie combines practical effects and CGI to create a realistic and terrifying virtual world. VR technology in the film adds an extra layer of realism, making viewers feel like they are experiencing the horror firsthand. 

• Artificial Intelligence 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an increasingly popular topic in the entertainment industry, and horror movies are no exception. AI has been used in horror movies to create a sense of unease and explore the potential dangers of advanced technology. As AI continues to evolve and become more prevalent daily, we will likely see even more horror movies exploring these themes.  

Robots with advanced AI have been used in horror movies to create terrifying scenarios where they become self-aware and turn on their creators. AI technology horror stories like "Ex Machina" and "Blade Runner" explore the ethical dilemmas and potential consequences of creating sentient machines. 

• Surveillance Footage 

Surveillance footage has been used in several horror movies to create a feeling of voyeurism and unease. By using footage from security cameras or other surveillance devices, filmmakers can create a sense of being watched, even in the privacy of their own homes. 

• Social Media 

Social media has become a ubiquitous part of our lives, and filmmakers have begun to explore how it can be used to create horror. From viral videos to online stalking, social media has been used to develop new and terrifying scenarios that resonate with modern audiences.

Technology has significantly shaped the horror genre, allowing filmmakers to create new and inventive ways to scare audiences. As technology continues to evolve, we can only imagine what fresh horrors await us in the future.

Top Technology-Horror Movies

Technology has become an integral part of our lives; horror movies have noticed this. From the subtle influence of the internet to the full-blown nightmares of mechanical monsters, filmmakers have explored what technology could mean for horror. Here are ten examples of movies that have taken this concept and run with it, creating phenomenal - and terrifying - experiences for viewers: 

• EXistenZ (1999) 

David Cronenberg's "eXistenZ" is a hidden gem in the horror genre, overshadowed by other popular sci-fi films. However, the film is a captivating exploration of the intersection of virtual reality, video gaming, and assassination that stands on its own.

At the centre of the film is Allegra Geller, a game designer who has created a virtual reality game called "eXistenZ." Geller becomes the target of international assassins, and she must play her game with a marketing trainee in order to test if it is safe. The film uses this premise to explore the relationship between humans and machines and how the virtual world can be just as dangerous as the real one. 

• Brainscan (1994) 

The idea of bringing video game habits into real life is a frightening concept explored in "Brainscan." This film takes the disconnect between the audience and the product of video games and turns it into a terrifying experience. 

• Ratter (2015) 

Ratter is a chilling reminder of how technology can be used for sinister purposes and easily invade our privacy. The film takes the idea of cyberstalking to new heights, showing how someone with access to their digital devices can manipulate and control a person's entire life. 

• Strangeland (1998) 

Strangeland is a film that delves into the dark side of the internet, exploring the dangers of online chatrooms and the predatory behavior within them. While the film has flaws, including poor acting and cheap production values, it is a fascinating look at the early days of the internet and the anxieties surrounding it. 

• Ghost in the Machine (1993) 

One unique aspect of Ghost in the Machine is how it explores the idea of technology as a means of transmitting evil and how it can be used to manipulate and control people. The film touches on themes of the dangers of AI and the consequences of using technology without considering its potential adverse effects.

Conclusion

The future of technology in horror movies is limitless. With new technologies emerging, filmmakers have an ever-expanding toolkit to use when creating horror movies. It will be fascinating to see how filmmakers use technology to scare us in the years to come. 

If you are fascinated by the cutting-edge technology used in the movie industry, master the skills with Skill-Lync. We offer courses on new-age skills to empower engineers to pursue their dream careers.

Talk to our experts to know about our unique pedagogy.