Ever wonder why you cringe at horror films and yet keep watching? The EMP Museum’s latest exhibit, Can’t Look Away: The Lure of Horror Film, explores the cultural and historical significance of horror flicks and explain why death, monsters and mayhem remain such an enduring cinematic attraction.
The exhibit features a historical look at 20th century horror films, curated by Roger Corman, John Landis and Eli Roth. Also on display are iconic artifacts from movies like Night of the Living Dead, Alien, The Shining and Creature from the Black Lagoon.
Interactive highlights:
- Scream Booth: Visitors are prompted to scream on cue as they watch horror film footage in a soundproof booth. A camera memorializes the moment with multiple shots displayed just outside the stall.
- Horror Soundscapes: Visitors explore the fundamental music elements and scoring techniques used in horror to enhance a cinematic sense of suspense, dread, and terror.
- Monster Timeline: A large infographic defines the monster archetypes of horror film, examines their individual particularities, and explores why they continue to inhabit the collective conscious of popular culture.
- Shadow Monsters: Philip Worthington’s interactive installation allows visitors to watch as their projected shadows morph into monsters.
