Weds July 31 2019
Boogey-Man
I watched ‘Predator’ ( 2018)- a good example of the ‘boogey-man‘/ survival sort of ‘horror’ story. Various cast represent a range of characters – typically flawed, with a mix of virtuous, and ignoble traits. The characters who express virtue, and take action to help others relatively selflessly, or are motivated to protect others, tend to be rooted for by the audience.
The characters who go out of their way to remorselessly inflict harm on others, for their own perceived gain, tend to be disliked/ hated by the cast. Thus excusing the violent death that comes to the latter, by the ‘boogey-man’. Generally, the mildly flawed, are not spared, though put up a valiant fight. And are honored by the survivors, who defeat the boogey-man , by superior intelligence, special abilities, and continuing to try. The weapons of the boogey -man, are often used against it, by the observant protagonist, – while conventional or superstitious, methods fail.
At the end of the film, a statement is displayed: “15,000 job were created, in the process of making this film, and over X amount of hours .” Putting into perspective the value of such a violent film; such as providing jobs.
The expectation of a movie like this is blood and guts. However, what keeps the viewer interested is the plight of the protagonist, against seemingly insurmountable odds. The satisfaction is in seeing certain fulfillments that the viewer can relate to or shares a desire for. In most stories, seeing a character fulfill a romantic desire – often makes the viewer feel as though they are sharing in the experience – imparting a good feeling; which revisiting the story, can provide; thus becoming a favorite scene or movie. When the viewer invests emotionally into the character, they care about what happens to them; and will more likely follow the sequels.
[These are my opinions, from my initial reaction to the film Predator (2018), which I found more entertaining than I expected; because of the factors I described above. Useful, identifying such factors, if I can use them as tools for my stories. ]