The first article under consideration criticizes the gratuitous use of gore in horror media for its inability to impact the audience. While the techniques become more advanced, they do not contribute to the feeling of being scared in the same way as familiarity does (Harris). However, some shows manage to strike a balance between the bloody and the scary by making the victims seem human (Harris). The second article is a response to the first one and attempts to defend Hannibal against the criticism (Posocco). It argues that the use of gore is justified as it strengthens the aesthetics, the feeling of disgust, and the audience’s sympathy with the main character (Posocco). This paper will highlight the similarities and the differences in the article and discuss them.
Both articles are devoted to the topic of gore in horror media, namely TV shows, using Hannibal as an example. They also agree that imagination and the false feeling of safety play an essential role in impacting the audience (Harris; Posocco). However, the second article disagrees that Hannibal’s application of gore is senseless (Posocco). It also argues that horror should not necessarily be scary, as the first text claims, and its goal can be to confront the audience with questions about one’s mortality and death (Harris; Posocco). Thus, while the articles share some sentiments, they have different views on the shared example and the role of horror.
The people behind the articles seem passionate about horror shows, which is reflected in the vivid writing. However, their visions of what horror should differ even if they agree that the genre can be effective without gore (Harris; Posocco). The first article focuses on being scary as a primary value, while the second one attempts to uncover other ways in which horror can influence the audience (Harris; Posocco). The arguments could reflect the general discussion surrounding the genre, which is trying to determine what makes a horror film or show good. The consensus will probably never be reached because a single series can use one element (gore) in many ways, producing a mixed set of feelings, and fear might not be one of them.
References
Harris, Mark. “’The Walking Dead’: Less is More When It Comes to Gore.” Entertainment Weekly, 2014. Web.
Posocco, Art. “In Defense of Hannibal and Its Use of Gore.” The Artifice, 2014. Web.