INTERVIEW – SARAH JAHIER talks Women and Horror

Published on: 27th November, 2009

INTERVIEW - SARAH JAHIER talks Women and Horror  | read this item

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Women are playing a larger role in the horror genre these days and are no longer the screaming and scantily clad bimbo in need of a man to save her. So perhaps it is inevitable that they would also begin to dominate the critical side of the industry, with various websites created to explore the feminine aspect of the industry. Sarah Jahier formed Fatally-Yours in 2005 and in just four short years it has become one of the most popular sites amongst horror fans, providing news and reviews on both cult classics and upcoming movies.

Sarah took some time out from her busy schedule to discuss what it is about the genre that makes her tick…

Why horror? What is it about the genre that interests you so much?
“I get asked this question a lot, but ever since I was a little girl I’ve loved being scared! I remember reading Stephen King novels under the covers with a flashlight in elementary school and begging my parents to let me go see Leprechaun when it first came out in theatres (they said no – I was only in the 4th grade!). Then all during high school I remember renting cheesy horror flicks from the local video store and watching them with my best friend. It probably wasn’t until college when I became seriously interested in the academics and theories behind scary movies, though, and this (believe it or not) made me enjoy them even more!

I could seriously watch horror movies, good, bad and ugly, for the rest of my life and be content! There is just something about horror that thrills me and I’ve always been drawn to the darker and more morbid side of things…”

How does it feel to be a part of what many consider to be a male-dominated genre? How would you compare the way you are perceived to your male counterparts?
“You know, I’ve recently noticed that there seem to be a lot more women horror journalists and fans actually getting recognized than ever before! So I’m not sure if the genre will be male dominated for long! When I first started out, though, it did feel like women’s opinions weren’t being expressed or heard in the horror community. I started Fatally-Yours to add my opinion and make sure women had another voice in the horror community and a woman’s perspective could be heard.”

Which women currently working in the horror genre do you admire the most?  Do you have any filmmaking ambitions of your own?
“I admire any woman that doesn’t rely solely on looks to succeed in the business, but uses their intelligence and talent. I especially admire other women horror journalists, like Heidi Martinuzzi of Pretty-Scary.net, who was always a big influence and inspiration for me.”

Sexuality plays a large part in horror.  But do you feel it is represented correctly?
“I think sexuality in horror is definitely shown from a man’s perspective more so than a woman’s. Horror films are overflowing with female characters getting naked to target the male audience members, but female horror fans rarely get more than a male character with his shirt off. So, it is definitely not shown fairly. Plus, I don’t particularly like my horror and violence mixed with sex – just bring on the scares, please!”

What particular style of horror do you enjoy the most and do you still get scared by movies?
“It’s sad to say, but the more horror movies I see the more and more jaded I get. It takes a lot to scare me, but I am all about psychological scares rather than blatant “boo” scares or gore. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate fun horror as well as gory horror, but for something to truly freak me out it has to get under my skin and stick with me…it has to stay with me long enough that I feel like checking under the bed and hiding under the covers when bedtime rolls around.”

Why do you think that horror has such an appeal, what is it about these types of films that gets under the viewer’s skin?
“Horror is a safe escape and a catharsis, but it also asks the “what if” questions and makes us wonder just what would happen if zombies started attacking or if a killer was stalking you and your friends. Plus, people like getting scared and getting an endorphin rush, much like a rollercoaster!”

Some claim that true horror lies in what the audience isn’t shown, whilst others feel that it is the filmmakers’ responsibility to show everything they can.  Which approach do you find most effective?
“I think it really depends on the storyline. Some stories just demand that everything be put on display for it to be effectively frightening – like most (but not all) zombie or monster movies. Other films work better on a subtle level, and these are the ones that I like better. The ones that delight in messing with the characters’ and audience’s heads!”

Do you feel that repetition and familiarity kills horror?  During the 1980’s it was sequels and now it is remakes.  Do we become desensitized easily, particularly when real life often seems more horrifying?
“It definitely dulls it and makes it less frightening, because with remakes and sequels you already have a basic idea of what to expect. Plus, with each subsequent sequel and/or remake it seems as if the source material is further dumbed down. Ugh! And don’t even get me started on PG-13 “horror” that’s aimed at the tween crowd! Horror should never be that safe!”

Where do you feel the genre will go next and what new themes and ideas are there left for filmmakers to explore?
“There are so many different ways to do things, even with subgenres of horror that seem done to death. Resurrect these subgenres with a slight twist in the mythology or different focus and you’ll entrance the audience all over again.

I also think that more and more horror fans will start turning to independent productions since the studios these days seem to be pandering to PG-13 audiences with their neverending remakes. Indie horror is where it’s at!”

Come visit Sarah Jahier at Fatally-Yours!

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