Faylinn Gustafson (287)

Spooky films: a genre that exudes fright onto those who partake in it. As the spooky season starts here at Central High School, we question how to entertain ourselves to get in the spirit of the season. 

When it comes to favorites, Varjak Zeleniak (285) explains his love for The Nightmare Before Christmas because “it reminds [him] of [his] family.” His statement shows that watching spooky films isn’t just about getting in the spirit of the season, but also bringing people together to share memories. Another student, Yena Su (287), explains that her favorite Halloween film is Corpse Bride “because that’s the one [she] remember[s] most and it has a really cool animation style.” The powerful creatives Tim Burton and Henry Selick were involved in the making of both of the aforementioned films. These creators share a strikingly similar animation style, sensibility of darkness, and storytelling. Another interviewee, Jocelyn Djunaidi (285), mentions a work from the brilliant and twisted mind of Selick, saying, “My favorite Halloween movie is Coraline because it has so many theories about it and I like the stop motion aspect of it.” This emphasizes the power that both Burton and Selick have in the horror film and animation industry, captivating the minds of many, including the students here at Central High. 

Students are divided over the horror genre. Yena shares, “I don’t like scary movies, but if there’s only a couple scary scenes, I can tolerate it.” Varjak agrees, saying, “I don’t like scary movies because I don’t really see an entertainment value in being scared, and don’t find it to be a pleasant thing.” These two opinions share a stark contrast with that of Jocelyn, who says, “I love scary movies and feel bad for people who don’t because they’re missing out.” This difference  shows how spooky films can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s cozying up with your family to watch a Halloween classic or experiencing the thrill of a scary film, there are many ways for students to celebrate the spooky season this year.