Thoughts from the Ledge: The good and the bad of the 2017 horror genre
Join me as I look back at the good and the bad in the horror genre for 2017.
“Everything ends… and it’s always sad. But everything begins again too… and that’s always happy.” – Steven Moffat
The World Spins
As we come to the end of 2017, I can honestly say that I have mixed feelings about it. Let’s face it, going into the new year, it was challenging with the aftermath of the polarizing election of 2016.
For the horror community, there would be losses and there would be wins. Now, let’s take a look back at the year that was.
The Losses Take a Toll
Out of the gate, we lost some very significant individuals in the horror genre. This was also the year for the mainstreaming of television.
As the trend toward weepy dramas like This Is Us became more prevalent, several cult horror series appear to possibly be on the chopping block. While an entire channel dedicated to scares went belly up.
The Directors and a Scribe
Thoughts-from-the-Ledge-George-Romero-Photo by Laura Lezza/Getty Images
William Peter Blatty – Without this man, the Exorcist would cease to exist. William Friedkin’s masterpiece is one of the best horror films ever. Blatty’s words make Regan MacNeil’s life-threatening battle with Pazuzu come to life.
Jonathan Demme– The quirky director of one of the most respected films in the genre, The Silence of the Lambs brought everything full circle. Demme took home the Academy Award for direction. Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins performances are a direct result of his efforts.
George Romero – His death was a tremendous shock to the horror world. Night of the Living Dead is a progenitor for many of the successful zombie themed movies and television shows that we see today. The social commentary aspect of this film plays into current exercises like Jordan Peele’s Get Out.
Tobe Hooper – Another legendary director in the horror genre. Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert and Bruce Campbell cite Texas Chainsaw Massacre as one of their influences for Evil Dead. One could almost credit Hooper as the creator of the documentary style horror film. You’re welcome, Blair Witch Project.
The Actors
Thoughts from the Ledge – Bill Paxton – Courtesy of Deadline
Miguel Ferrer – The scion of character actor Jose Ferrer and singer Rosemary Clooney, Miguel, like his father was an unparalleled thespian who excelled at playing acerbic jerks. From his turn as Robert Morton in the terrifying sci-fi thriller, RoboCop to his latest posthumous appearance as Agent Albert Rosenfield in David Lynch’s iconic reboot of Twin Peaks, Ferrer commanded the screen with his presence.
John Hurt – Although he had a long and illustrious career, most people identified him with his role as Kane in Alien. He was the crew member that met with an unfortunate demise as an incubator for the horrific Xenomorph. Hurt also took on the role of Trevor “Broom” Bruttenholm in Guillermo del Toro’s successful series, Hellboy.
Bill Paxton – James Cameron’s Aliens, “Game over, man. Game OVER!” is a classic line and Bill Paxton speaks it with such conviction. His directorial debut, the brilliant psychological horror film, Frailty is captivating and will challenge your notions on what is divine intervention and what is psychopathic behavior. Mortuary, Brain Dead and Near Dark are other examples of his ties to the genre.
Michael Parks – Another shining star in the horror genre, Michael Parks was in Robert Rodriguez’s gritty vampire flick, From Dusk till Dawn. Kevin Smith’s terrifying ventures, Tusk and Red State were written with him in mind.
Powers Boothe – A fellow Texan like Bill Paxton, Powers burst on to the scene playing cult leader, Jim Jones in a TV mini-series in the early 80s. Known for his quietly intense and unnerving performances, he was perfect in Frailty and Sin City.
Television Wars
Thoughts from the Ledge-Ash vs Evil Dead – Courtesy of STARZ -Lionsgate
Ash vs Evil Dead – Although this fan favorite on STARZ, based on the hit movie trilogy, the Evil Dead appeared to be doing well in its first season, things headed south after the finale of season 2. The network was citing illegal downloading as the culprit for the low ratings.
Series star and executive producer, Bruce Campbell took his fight to the streets and told the fans at his book signings to pay for the show or it will be cancelled.
Season 3 debuts on February 25, 2018 at 9:00 p.m., Campbell and crew still do not have any word on a season 4 renewal. Fans remain active on social media with their campaign for STARZ to #bringbackboomstick. Stay tuned….
ZNation – This popular zombie show was on the verge of cancellation when at the 11th hour, they received a reprieve with a renewal from SyFy for season 5.
Stan Against Evil – IFC’s entry into the genre, the Dana Gould helmed venture just completed its sophomore season in November. Season 3 renewal for the show is still forthcoming. Much like AVED fans, the loyal viewers of this John C. McGinley show are also utilizing social media to get their series another go around with #KeepStanKilling #ShovelsUp #MoreWillardsMill.
Well, Bye!
Chiller TV – In November, parent company NBCUniversal made the decision to cut loose their ten-year-old channel dedicated to all things horror. According to Deadline, this determination came after failing to secure carriage deals with Dish, Verizon and other services. So, Chiller will be signing off on New Year’s Day.
Box Office Bang!
Thoughts from the Ledge – Annabelle Creation – Courtesy of Atomic Monster, New Line Cinema, RatPac-Dune Entertainment
Data courtesy of Box Office Mojo.
It – Stephen King’s opus about children being terrorized by an evil clown named Pennywise, is number 6 on the yearly box office list. Grossing over 327 million, this powerhouse effort proved that people were willing to find out if they could float.
Get Out – Congratulations to Jordan Peele for his spectacular directorial debut. His film is a more terrifying version of the Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn classic, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. Get Out is a social commentary on the horrors of racism.
Grossing over 175 million, Peele’s smash is up for a Golden Globe in the category of Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy. As controversial as it sounds, Peele had this to say to Deadline about the decision:
“At the end of the day, call “Get Out” horror, comedy, drama, action or documentary, I don’t care. Whatever you call it, just know it’s our truth.”
Split – M. Night Shyamalan’s comeback film made box office bank to the tune of over 138 million. James McAvoy’s performance has been hailed as one of the most convincing and the best in years from various critics.
Annabelle: Creation – Annabelle: Creation made over 102 million despite mixed reviews. As a result of the box office revenue, more Conjuring spinoffs are in the works.
Into the Great Unknown
Clearly, audiences enjoy horror. There is a market for this type of programming. Money can be made however, television executives still view this niche genre as a “risky” venture in my opinion.
Everything is being homogenized. Cookie cutter melodramas and dregs of the earth reality shows seem to rule the airwaves.
Hopefully, 2018 will see more compelling and creative horror endeavors on the horizon.
Next: Jonathan Demme: Farewell, Inspired Creative Genius
How do you feel about 2017? How do you see the horror genre growing in 2018? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below. We want to hear from you!