AEWCH 233: NATHAN BALLINGRUD & SARA GRAN on THE DELIGHT & CRUELTY OF HORROR
Aug 15, 2023
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Sara Gran, master of the horror genre, and Nathan Ballingrud explore the exploration of cruelty and fear in horror literature, the allure and frustrations of detailed storytelling, living with mystery and the dangers of uncovering the truth, the uncertainty of paranormal entities, the fascination with obscure horror movies, and the fulfillment and completeness of monsters.
The past's influence on the present and the complexities of trauma and perception.
The allure of horror lies in its ability to unsettle and disturb rather than outright scare.
Supernatural encounters evoke fear and unease through their ambiguity and mystery.
Horror as a genre taps into intense emotions and explores the darker aspects of human nature.
Deep dives
The Uncertainty of Truth and Past Experiences
The podcast delves into the idea that the past is never truly gone and can continue to influence our present experiences. It explores the concept of trauma and how certain events can affect individuals differently. The discussion touches on the difficulty of unraveling the truth and the limitations of our knowledge. It highlights the importance of accepting the mystery in life and the inevitable uncertainty that comes with it.
The Intricacies of Narrative and Interpretation
The podcast explores the complexities of storytelling and interpretation. It discusses the power of narratives in shaping our understanding and the role of individual experiences in perception. It delves into the idea that the past can intertwine with the present and influence our interpretations of reality. The discussion acknowledges the limitations of language in capturing the full essence of supernatural or uncanny experiences.
The Fascination with Horror and the Unknown
The podcast celebrates the genre of horror and its enduring popularity. It examines the allure of horror and explores how it challenges conventional storytelling. The conversation touches on the fine line between being disturbed and scared, as well as the importance of atmosphere and mood in creating effective horror. It emphasizes that horror does not necessarily have to scare in a traditional sense, but rather aims to unsettle and disturb.
The Eeriness and Intrigue of Supernatural Experiences
The podcast acknowledges the prevalence and fascination with supernatural experiences, ranging from encounters with mythical creatures to ghostly encounters. It delves into the concept of the uncanny and the allure of the unknown. The discussion highlights that the interpretation and understanding of these experiences can vary greatly, often leading to ambiguity and a sense of mystery. It underscores that the fear and unease associated with supernatural encounters can stem from our inability to fully comprehend their nature and significance.
The Power of Horror and Its Emotional Impact
The podcast episode explores the power of horror as a genre defined by an emotion rather than a plot. It delves into the connection between horror, comedy, and pornography, all of which elicit strong emotional responses from viewers. The discussion highlights the fear and pleasure that can be found in horror and the ways in which it can evoke intense emotions and tap into our deepest fears and desires.
Genre Mixing and the Influence of Horror
The podcast hosts discuss the intersection of horror with other genres such as mystery, sci-fi, and erotica. They explore how horror elements can weave their way into different genres, adding intensity and emotional depth to the storytelling. The conversation emphasizes that the experience of horror can enhance and enrich other genres, adding elements of suspense, discomfort, and exploration of the dark aspects of human nature.
Writing from Personal Experience and Anxieties
The speakers share their personal experiences and anxieties that influence their writing. They discuss how their own fears, losses, and unsettling moments shape the horror elements in their works. They emphasize that writing towards their shame and fear allows for a genuine exploration of emotions that resonates with readers and creates a sense of connection and catharsis.
The Connection Between Horror and Desire
The podcast episode delves into the connection between horror and desire, highlighting the ways that horror can tap into our primal desires and explore the boundaries of pleasure and pain. It discusses the intense emotions evoked by horror and the fascination with pushing boundaries and exploring the darker and more taboo aspects of human nature.
In this second episode on a series on horror, I talk with masters of the genre Sara Gran (Come Closer, The Book of the Most Precious Substance) and Nathan Ballingrud (North American Lake Monsters, The Strange) about creating forceful and frightening art, the fear of not knowing the truth (and the fear of investigating), why horror films scare us in a different way than horror novels/stories, and more.
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