HORROR OF THE DEMONIC

Horror movies strive to elicit the emotions of fear and terror by involving themes of death and supernatural. All the major studios and many respected directors, starting with Alfred Hitchcock, Roman Polanski, John Carpenter, Sam Raimi or Francis Ford Coppola have made forays into the genre. The early 20th century brought more milestones for the horror genre, including the first monster to appear in a full-lenght horror film - Quasimodo - the hunch back of Notre-Dame who had appeared in Victor Hugo's novel, "Notre-Dame de Paris". The horror-of-the-demonic movie is one of the sub-genres of the horror film that grew out of mid and late 20th Century American culture. As described by Charles Devy, the horror-of-the-demonic film suggested that the world was horrible because of the evil forces that were constantly undermining the quality of existence. These evil forces could remain mere spiritual presences or they could take the shape of demons or devils. From George Melies 1896 film "The Devil's Manor" to more recent productions such as Roman Polanski's "Rosemary's Baby" and "The Ninth Gate", diabolism has been a significant foundation for films which explore religious subject matter. In American movies, Satan has been represented as human, as the creator of the Antichrist, as a beast, as a spirit or abstract figure. The overall debate about Satan and popular ignorance of him allows filmmakers the opportunity to illustrate varying interpretations. Films become a way to investigate the Devil's character. Popular cinema has the ability to fill the void of knowledge about the Devil. In the Bible, Satan plays a minor role, and his personality is not discussed in its text. Although human and beastlike representations were the most common in the Middle Ages, many religionists believed that the Devil was a spirit who could possess humans. The Catholic Church believes most cases of possession are inflicted on the victims by their own doing, either by worshipping Satan or practicing sinful lifestyles. The Church does admit, however, that there have been many documented cases of possession where there has been no fault or blame placed on the afflicted individual. Possession and exorcism themes are certainly prevalent in American movies, the best example being "The Exorcism of Emily Rose". Similarly, by suggesting that in order to create the Antichrist, the Devil must have sex with a woman, Satan is often represented in American cinema as a type of incubus. Naturally, sex with humans can result in offspring. The critical and popular success of "Rosemary's Baby" directed by Roman Polanski led to the release of more films with occult themes, such as "The Exorcist" and other movies in which the Devil represented the supernatural evil, often by impregnating women or possessing children. The idea of the Antichrist being half-human is explored in movies such as "The Omen" or "Point Pleasant". Invincible to human intervention, Satan became the villain in many horror films with a postmodern style and a dystopian worldview.