The value of a really good horror movie

By Linda VandeVrede on July 31st, 2009 In Advice

This weekend, treat yourself and go rent or see a horror movie.  

Now hear me out.   Do you know why this genre is such a good release for public relations professionals?

Think about your day-to-day activities in public relations. You’re probably stressed, not getting enough sleep, and dealing with slow-moving, irrational people who are always trying to beat down the door for your time. Sure, you could go to the spa for a change of pace, but a movie is much cheaper. And, you get the added benefit of watching someone ELSE’s horror show while you remain safely in your seat.

I realize I’m in a very small camp, particularly as a female, but I have always found horror movies cathartic. No matter what particular stress I was going through at the time, while watching a scary movie I always realized that my challenges paled in comparison to what the poor character on the screen was experiencing.  Note, I’m not talking about sadistic movies, like the wretched Saw series, or movies based on real-life blood-curdling events, but true classics that get the hair on the back of your neck tingling while you still maintain suspension-of-disbelief.  Movies such as The Ring, or the original version of The Spiral Staircase, or Night of the Living Dead.  Or even The Grudge.

Call me crazy (and most of my female friends have), but don’t call me late to a horror movie showing. I’ll be in the seventh row, middle seat.  And when I emerge, I’ll be better equipped to handle the next PR horror that staggers my way…

The value of a really good horror movie

Comments

Tisha Says:
July 31st, 2009 at 9:26 am

Great tip, Linda. Never thought about it that way, but now I know when I’m having a rough day, head to Blockbuster.

Thanks for the laugh.

Bridget Daly Says:
July 31st, 2009 at 9:38 am

I couldn’t agree more! I adore horror movies of all kinds as well as action and adventure movies. They are the only genres where I can completely zone out and forget about the stresses of press releases, copywriting, etc. Other flicks just don’t do that for me.

Pat Elliott Says:
July 31st, 2009 at 9:48 am

If you don’t have the time for a whole movie, there’s the short thriller zombie video from Phoenix’s own JoePRGuy. :-)

http://joeprguy.com/2009/07/happy-dance/

Kathleen Says:
July 31st, 2009 at 10:04 am

Linda, fantastic post! I recognized the picture immediately as I sat through Night of the Living Dead 4 times when it came out! Feels like I’ve been living that long night all week! Thanks for bringing me back around with your levity and reminder of a magnificent time ~ classic!

Jim Veihdeffer Says:
July 31st, 2009 at 12:59 pm

Linda, Linda, Linda…you’ve neglected some of the most important new horror flicks:

“Night of the Living Palins,” “Birthers: Still Undead” and of course, “They Dared to Work at Home When the A/C Went Out.” I also understand that the scariest offering of the season is being filmed right now: “Jon & Kate Reunite”

someguy Says:
July 31st, 2009 at 8:46 pm

I guess there are some times when “On Golden Pond” just isn’t enough. (Although in certain ways it’s horrific enough!)

Just keep an eye out for this one:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1374989/

When the PR buildup doesn’t match the product :: VandeVrede Public Relations, LLC Says:
August 11th, 2009 at 4:15 am

[...] where there is pure suspension of disbelief, including horror movies.  I posted about this for ValleyPRBlog recently.   But Gran Torino was different. This was a movie positioned as a drama, and one that [...]

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