Hey guys,

I know I'm new here; hey, I'm Ashley. I wanted to ask this question, actually, so I'm hoping for some heated debate (if I'm lucky ;) ) and just general opinion...

So I noticed the tendency in modern American horror lately to go further and further into intense visual representation (...ie, gore). And that these films are having physical side effects...

For example, I'm thinking of the reports of people throwing up in the aisles of Hostel; walking out of The Hills Have Eyes; fainting at Saw III. Lolling eyes, deformed rape scenes, racks which turn all limbs 180 degrees...


So:
+ Why do you think this influx of hardcore gore and the like is a current trend?

+ Do you think it's a current trend, or that it actually has older roots? If so, where?

+ If you enjoy going to these kinds of movies, why? If not, why not?

+ Have you ever experience physical trauma, akin to the news reports, at a sighting of any of these movies--even if you liked the movie?


I might have more questions, of course... but I'm really looking to engage with you all on this.