Harold Lloyd's opinion on horror films
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — The Soapbox
Harold Lloyd — 1 year ago(November 09, 2024 08:30 AM)
Harold Lloyd had a rather dismissive view of horror films, especially during the height of his career in the 1920s. While Lloyd was known for his slapstick comedies and thrilling, often dangerous physical stunts, he wasn’t particularly fond of the darker, more macabre side of cinema.
In fact, he is quoted as saying something to the effect of, "I never cared much for horror films. They didn’t seem to me to have anything to offer. Comedy is the thing." Harold felt that comedy, especially the kind he excelled at, was far more relatable and accessible to audiences than the fear-based thrills of the horror genre. He believed that laughter was a universal escape from life's troubles, while horror films, in his view, did little to lift the spirits of moviegoers.
His preference was always for the kind of lighthearted, escapist fare that he knew best—films that were high on action and stunts, but light on dark themes. As a performer, Harold loved putting audiences on the edge of their seats with suspense, but it was always through humorous, often absurd scenarios rather than the fear-inducing atmosphere of horror films.
That said, it's worth noting that Lloyd did participate in some films that had elements of suspense or the supernatural. For example, in his 1929 sound film Welcome Danger, there are elements of intrigue and mystery, though these are still infused with his signature comedic style. But overall, horror films weren’t something that interested him, nor did he feel they had much comedic value. He was all about comedy's potential to make people laugh, not scream.
So in a nutshell, Harold Lloyd wasn't a fan of horror films—he preferred to keep things light, thrilling, and, above all, funny! -
EdwardVP — 1 year ago(November 09, 2024 11:29 AM)
Re "the fear-based thrills of the horror genre" - he was actually going for thrills himself in the hanging from a clock sequence in Safety Last. I find it difficult to watch and some vertigo sufferers may find it impossible to watch. Their personal fears are upset. While the same people could watch all thousand grotesque faces of Lon Chaney one after the other and not get effected. Personal fears and personal tastes are horses for courses.