How far should fear be pushed in movies targeted at children's age group?
Revised Article:
Hey, have you ever wondered about the most terrifying movies of all time - those that send chills down your spine and keep you up at night? Well, my colleague Ailsa Chang recently sat down with some NPR staffers to discuss just that, as part of our regular series Cineplexity. Here's what she found out.
Ailsa: You know, we've been watching horror movies since they were first invented. Why do we keep going back to them? Because sometimes we just want to be scared witless, that's why! But what about when we're too young to handle the fright? I mean, remember that one movie that haunted you for years after you saw it as a kid? Well, that's what we're delving into today.
Joining us are NPR producer and film aficionado Megan Lim, and NPR music and pop culture critic, dad of two young adults, Stephen Thompson. Let's hear what they have to say on the matter.
Megan: Hey hey!
Stephen: Great to be here.
Ailsa: Great to have you both! Now, I don't have kids, but I still remember those haunting images that are forever etched in my mind after being exposed to them as a youngster. Like, take "Piranha" for instance. What could be more terrifying than being swallowed up by a swarm of killer fish in murky water?
Megan: (laughs) Oh, man! That one's a classic.
Ailsa: Yeah, not so classic since it traumatized me for years and made me afraid to swim in any body of water. Iced water, saltwater, bubbly bathwater - you name it. So, I'm curious about you two - what was the earliest image or film that scared the living daylights out of you as a kid?
Stephen: Oh, man, that's a tough one. Let me think... I think it was the movie "Jaws" when I was about 4 or 5. My family went to Universal Studios, and they had recently introduced a ride based on the movie. And my old man, in all his genius, dangled my screaming, terrified 4-year-old self over the side of the boat just as the giant shark jumped out of the water right next to my face. It's safe to say that it scarred me for life.
Megan: (laughs) Oh my goodness, that's horrible! My earliest memory of being genuinely scared was watching "The Mummy" as a child. We had it on VHS, and my siblings would watch it all the time, even though it gave me nightmares every single time. Remember the scene where those creepy, crawly bugs burrow under people's skin? I'd have a nightmare each time I saw it, but I still loved that movie to this day.
Ailsa: I can understand that. I think there's something about being terrified that has its own kind of appeal, don't you think? But I'm curious - are there some horror movies that are appropriate for kids? I mean, is it just a matter of seeing kids as the heroes, or is there more to it than that?
Megan: I think it's a combination of factors. For me, personally, I think it's best when the kids are the champions fighting against some sort of evil force. For example, I think of the movie "Coraline." In that film, the protagonist, Coraline, must overcome numerous obstacles and hostile characters to save her family. It's a different kind of horror than what adults usually experience, and it's more relatable for kids.
Stephen: I agree. I think there are a number of different approaches to making horror movies for kids, all depending on the child's sensibilities. In my family, we found that cartoons like Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas" worked well as gateway films to horror. They're a bit spooky, but they also come with that lighthearted Burton touch that adds a dose of humor.
Ailsa: That's great to hear. So, I suppose it's up to each parent to decide what's appropriate for their child. But is there ever really an "appropriate" age to watch horror movies, or does it vary from child to child?
Stephen: I think it's safe to say that each child is different, and it's important to consider their age, maturity, and temperament when deciding whether or not to introduce them to horror. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, and it's crucial for parents to communicate with their kids about what they're watching and help them process their emotions.
Megan: And let's face it, kids are going to be exposed to scary things eventually, whether it's at school, online, or through their peers. I think it's better to start them off with something manageable and work our way up from there. Maybe we can avoid the monster truck rally as the first introduction...
Ailsa: (laughs) Yeah, probably better to steer clear of that one. Well, thanks to Megan and Stephen for their insightful thoughts on kids and horror movies. Until next time, keep it scary (but not too scary!) and remember - it's all just a movie!
Actors Megan Lim and Stephen Thompson shared their earliest terrifying movie experiences, with Megan recalling being terrified by "The Mummy" as a child, and Stephen sharing his traumatic encounter with "Jaws" at Universal Studios. They agreed that appropriate horror movies for kids could be found in films where children are the champions fighting against evil forces, such as "Coraline," and suggested that parents consider their child's age, maturity, and temperament when deciding if they're ready for such movies. They also emphasized the importance of communication and emotional processing when introducing kids to scary content. In conclusion, these two believe it's crucial for parents to find a balance between ensuring their children aren't scared witless and allowing them to enjoy the entertainment aspect of movies-and-tv, all while considering their individual reactions and sensibilities.
