Lynda Barry: 'For horror movies, color is reassuring because, at least in older films, it adds to the fakey-ness.'

For horror movies, color is reassuring because, at least in older films, it adds to the fakey-ness.

Lynda Barry, a renowned cartoonist and writer, once said, "For horror movies, color is reassuring because, at least in older films, it adds to the fakey-ness." This intriguing quote captures the idea that color, specifically in older horror films, can provide a sense of comfort by accentuating the artificiality of the terrifying events unfolding on the screen. However, this statement not only invites us to reflect on the role of color in horror movies but also opens the door to a broader philosophical concept - the duality of fear and its connection to our perception of reality.In the context of horror films, Barry suggests that color can act as a reassuring element precisely because it enhances the sense of fabrication. Traditional horror movies often relied on exaggerated color schemes to create a fantastical and otherworldly atmosphere. This intentional use of color helps the audience to distance themselves from the horrors they are watching, reminding them that what they are witnessing is a work of fiction. In a paradoxical way, the vibrant and seemingly unrealistic hues serve as a buffer, allowing viewers to experience fear without becoming too immersed or affected by it.This concept raises an intriguing question: why do we seek comfort in the artificiality of horror films? Perhaps it stems from our innate fascination with fear. Fear, after all, is a primal human emotion that has both evolutionary and cognitive origins. It can lead to heightened senses, increased adrenaline, and a rush of adrenaline-fueled excitement. By watching horror films, we willingly subject ourselves to a controlled and predictable version of fear, buffered by the knowledge that what we are experiencing is not real. The deliberate use of color in these films underscores our desire for a safe and manageable outlet for our natural inclination towards fear.However, beyond the realm of horror movies lies a deeper philosophical inquiry into the nature of fear itself. While horror films use color to highlight their fictitious nature, reality may not always offer us such comforting indicators. In the real world, fear often creeps into our lives through subtler means, devoid of the exaggerated and vibrant hues present in the movies. It is in this contrast that the true power of Barry's quote lies – it challenges us to consider how color, or the absence of it, can shape our perceptions of fear in our everyday lives.In reality, fear often lurks in the shadows, disguised as doubts, anxieties, and uncertainties. Unlike the overt colors of horror movies, these fears can go unnoticed, gradually seeping into our thoughts and actions. Color, or the lack thereof, may not be an obvious indicator of these hidden fears, leaving us vulnerable to their influence. In this sense, embracing the artificiality of color in horror films can serve as a reminder of the constructed nature of fear outside the realm of fiction – prompting us to consider how our perception of reality can be manipulated by our own fears.Ultimately, Barry's quote leads us to contemplate the fine line between reality and fiction, and how our understanding of fear can be shaped by our surroundings. While color in horror movies adds to the "fakey-ness," it also offers us a reassurance that what we are witnessing is a mere construct. In contrast, the absence of color in our daily lives may not afford us the same luxury, as fears can often hide beneath the surface, undetectable by the naked eye.So, next time you watch a horror movie, take a moment to appreciate the deliberate use of color as an intentional device to evoke fear while simultaneously reassuring you of its artificiality. But also, remember to reflect on how fears, both overt and subtle, permeate our lives, influencing our perception of reality, and consider how we can learn from the fictional world of cinema to confront and manage our own fears in the real world.