Key Takeaways:
– Trump’s second term sees a surge in sociopolitical filmmaking.
– Esteemed horror director Mike Flanagan indicates a move towards more political content.
– Horror genre known for expressing cultural and political commentary without losing entertainment value.
– Flanagan’s poignant novella, Rare, Fine, and Limited, subtly criticises gluttony of capitalism.
– Midnight Mass TV series also contained deep political nuances, particularly about faith.
Amid the unease and tension that has spread across the country with the start of Donald Trump’s second term as President, a surprising yet strategic trend emerges in the filmmaking industry. Renowned horror director Mike Flanagan has spoken about his desire to redirect his directorial capabilities towards political subjects instead of his typical personal narratives.
Switching Lanes to Politics
Flanagan, whose remarkable portfolio includes timeless horror masterpieces like Oculus and Hush, as well as compelling TV series like Midnight Mass and The Haunting of Hill House, has always appreciated the versatile nature of the horror genre. Not only does it captivate audiences with its fear-inducing narratives, but it also provides an innovative platform for cultural, moral and political discourse. Now, it seems like Flanagan is ready to tap into the genre’s full potential.
Expressing this intention in a conversation about horror movies, Flanagan stated, “We can raise these ideas in a forum that reaches a huge number of people.” He went on to acknowledge the genre’s ability to tell compelling stories about deep-seated societal issues like racism while still maintaining its entertainment quotient.
Laying Out the Foundation
Horror narratives have long had the ability to sneak in political commentary amidst their terrifying tales. Using the example of Night of the Living Dead, Flanagan highlighted how the genre allows audiences to engage with serious topics in a seemingly innocuous setting.
Moving forward, Flanagan expressed his intent to incorporate more sociopolitical narratives in his work, considering how imperative it has become to address such topics given today’s climate. Besides, reflecting on his past work, particularly the Midnight Mass TV series, he realised that he has continuously been gravitating towards more politically-tuned content.
From Spiritual to Economic Horrors
Beyond the realms of spiritual and moral themes, Flanagan has been mulling over the horrors of our economic system. The growing divide between the rich and the poor, the exploitation of labour and workers worldwide, and the overly indulgent nature of capitalism are topics that the director feels need exploring.
In fact, in Flanagan’s short horror novella, Rare, Fine, and Limited, he hints at these issues indirectly. The story revolves around a wealthy hedonist who seeks the world’s rarest wine, oblivious to others’ suffering. The director astutely uses this narrative as a critique of excessive consumption, examining how our desires could potentially cost lives.
Conclusion
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Flanagan’s decision to infuse political commentary into his horror narratives can be seen as a necessary adaptation. By leveraging the influence and reach of the horror genre, the ability to engage and educate audiences on significant societal issues appears promising. Moving forward, we can anticipate a wave of sociopolitical horror productions. Flanagan’s shift towards political themes not only demonstrates the flexibility of filmmaking but also reiterates the potential for film as an effective social commentary device. Embracing this shift, the audience can eagerly look forward to absorbing cinema with an intriguing blend of horror and politics.
