The Horror Crowd

The Horror Crowd (2020) is a masterful documentary that serves as a behind-the-scenes glance into the world of horror films, offering audiences a unique insider perspective about the industry. As a charming ode to the horror genre, this remarkable film provides a panoramic view of the often darker, but always fascinating, multilayered world of horror. Guided by the creative lens of filmmaker Ruben Pla, The Horror Crowd investigates the processes, personalities, and motivations of some of the most celebrated personalities in the horror genre of cinema.

Featuring celebrated figures such as Lin Shaye, Greg Grunberg, and Russell Mulcahy, The Horror Crowd allows these established veterans to conjure up stories about their experiences and musings about working on horror projects. Their entertaining banter delivers insights, advice, and intriguing anecdotes that offer value to both casual viewers and dedicated genre enthusiasts. Refreshingly, this documentary is less about the films and more about the passionately gifted people who create them.

The narrative is strewn with various chapters, each focusing on different elements of the horror genre. These breakdowns in the narrative structure provide a deeper understanding of the multifaceted genre, unveiling the faces of fear, the artistry of the scare, and the delicious irony underscoring it all. Topics include the process of making a monster, using fear as a form of catharsis, the joy of scaring audiences, and the special bond that forms among people who share a love for horror.

A particularly fascinating aspect is how the documentary emphasizes the camaraderie prevalent amongst the ‘horror crowd.’ Despite the extensive range of personalities featured, the film underlines a palpable sense of community. Players in this genre have developed a unique bond, tied together by a shared love for horror and a mutual admiration for their gruesome craft.

It is also enlightening to see how these industry personalities deal with fear and how they transform it into an artistic medium. The themes of horror, while considered dark or ghastly to some, are presented as a form of therapeutic expression and storytelling to others. It's interesting to see how these artists approach the same subject matter with differing perceptions and perspectives.

The documentary features veteran actress Lin Shaye, well-known for her roles in notable horror films like Insidious and Nightmare on Elm Street. She shares her own personal journey in the industry and the gratification she gets from exploring the darker aspects of characters. Russell Mulcahy, famed for directing the cult classic Highlander and numerous episodes of Teen Wolf, offers his insights into the making of a horror film.

Greg Grunberg, a frequent actor in the genre, lends his comedic style to the narrative, offering a more lighthearted couplet to the darker thematic nuances. His appearances add a welcome break from the intense conversations surrounding the genre, reminding us of the subgenre's attraction: horror-comedy.

The Horror Crowd stands as a testament to the passion, dedication, and togetherness of the horror film industry's intimacy. It offers an intimate journey into the minds of those who create the films that keep audiences awake at night. By fearlessly exploring a genre often shrouded in mystery, Pla has brilliantly created a film appreciative of the craft and sure to inspire both budding and established filmmakers.

The Horror Crowd is a fascinating exploration of the mindset it takes to create horror, serving this cinematic sector with the respect and appreciation it deserves. This thought-provoking documentary is a love letter to the horror genre, celebrating its unique offering in the world of cinema and spotlighting the community's shared passion for the grotesque, the macabre, and the terrifying. This is a must-watch for any film enthusiast and promises to be a treasured addition to the collection of any horror aficionado.