Now that the merry holidays are over, we have one last major event in 2015 to look forward to: New Years Eve! It’s a night to reflect on a year ending and to also celebrate the start of a new year, a new opportunity to make things change, to better ourselves, our careers, those around us, etc…
As with every year, there are promises that we make to ourselves that we end up not keeping, which kinda sucks and makes us feel a bit guilty. I know that I’m absolutely guilty of not following through on my resolutions, although I’ll be honest and say that I rarely make any these past few years. Better to not promise anything so as to not disappoint myself, right?
Well, you know what? Fuck that. I’m going to make some promises because I do want to change! I do want to change who I am in regards to many things. But for this occasion I’m going to talk about several resolutions I’m going to make when it comes to horror.
Check out mine and then let me know what some of yours are!
1. Be more critical
I know this might seem like a strange one but as I’m getting older I realize that I want better from the movies I watch. Sure I can turn off my brain for certain titles (I’m looking at you, TMNT 2) but if I’m intent on seeing a film that wants to be effective, I’m going to expect that from it. And horror does not get a pass in this regard.
Some of the very best horror movies that are widely discussed and revered are the ones that have substance, they have weight, they have gravity, and they have a certain unnameable feature that gives them a majestic quality that makes them lurk in your mind for days, weeks, months, and even possibly years after being viewed.
I want to watch horror movies that are smartly written. I want to see horror films that scare me and leave that fear lingering. I want to be able to discuss a horror film in regards to the societal and cultural themes it tackles and not just say, “It had great gore! And, WOW! Did you see those tits?” C’mon, we’re better than that.
I want horror to mean something to me. I want it to blow me away like so many films used to do. And that’s why I’m going to be critical. Because filmmakers won’t know that people like myself want this films unless they actually read it or see my frustrations. And I think it’s fair to push creators into uncomfortable places so that they do something that’s better than anything they’ve previously done and continue on that path of greatness. At least, here’s hoping that’s what happens.
2. Watch more horror movies, specifically in theaters
This one might seem strange but I honestly don’t get out of my place much. I work from home, which makes it very easy to get comfortable just sitting for hours at a time.
But no more. In 2016, I vow to see at least 10 horror movies in theaters, providing that at least 10 horror movies are released in theaters close to me (which is almost a 100% certainty). There’s something magical about going to a movie theater and seeing a film on a gigantic screen with a (hopefully) great sound system. That experience simply cannot be recreated at home (unless you live in a mansion), so I should be taking full advantage of it.
Furthermore, I want to watch at least one horror movie a week on top of those theater trips. That means I want to watch at least 62 horror movies in 2016, which I feel is a fair number. I probably watched that many in 2015 without realizing it, so I’m good with this arrangement.
My recommendation to keep me on track (if you want to help) is to bug me constantly on Twitter so that you know I’m keeping good on my promises.
3. Bring awesome horror content to BD
I don’t know if you readers realize it but a huge portion of my life revolves around each and every one of you. I constantly am thinking if something matches your needs and wants after keeping an eye on what you love to read. I’m always brainstorming ideas for new kinds of content and how to make it happen. Implementation is a bitch, I tells ya.
But I have a sneaking suspicion that 2016 will see some new and awesome means of bringing you great news, original content, and other fun events and I can only hope that you all enjoy it.
And with that, I want to end this piece by getting a little personal and saying thank you to each and every one of you readers. 2015 was a huge year for Bloody-Disgusting and 2016 is shaping up to be even better. I mean, it’s our 15th anniversary, so you better believe we’re excited and have plans to celebrate everything!
Happy New Year to all and, from the bottom or our horror-fueled hearts, thank you for everything.