WORDS WITH MR. KAUMANS- KEVIN KAUMANS
“Can horror go too far?”, You’ve probably heard this topic being debated in the media for years now.
Whether it was from the news about a recently released horror movie, or a discussion board on a social media website, odds are you might have come across this question regardless if it was something you looked up or not.
So, what exactly does it mean when horror goes too far? Is it when the movie becomes gore for the sake of gore? Is it when the child or animal dies? What about when the protagonist dies a brutal, meaningless death for the sake of shock value? Is there such a thing as going too far? Art is subjective after all.
Well, my fellow readers, to tell you my opinion, I need to take you back to about a year ago. I was watching a youtuber’s summary of a movie called “A Serbian Film.” Now, I dunno if my editors will allow me to talk about the film itself, as both the plot and the contents within it would be considered NSFW (Not Safe For Work), or if the college will require for us to censor it. So instead, I’m just gonna be talking about one scene I saw in this youtuber’s summary video of the film.
Now, this is gonna be really hard to describe without going into much detail. But let’s just say there is this scene within the movie where the protagonist is watching a video tape of a woman giving birth.
After the baby comes out, a doctor does something to the baby that would probably make even Josef Mengele throw up. I want to say this right now, so no one can accuse me of giving this “film” exposure:
Do not look up this movie, not even a summary on “Youtube”. Just imagine the worst thing someone can possibly do to a newborn baby and you’ll have your answer on why this scene nearly made me throw up when I saw it.
I’ve seen some people defend this movie, saying it is a representation for either the crimes that have happened in real life regarding child trafficking, or how the Serbian Government treats its people, but my stance still stands: That scene I saw with the baby was not only detestable, but unnecessary for the plot.
So, do I think horror can go too far? Certainly. Does that mean whatever film, game, or book someone wants to make should be regulated? “A Serbian Film”, definitely, I believe. All forms of media one might find disturbing? Well….the answer’s more complicated than you think.
Now, do I think videos containing children being actually molested should be illegal? Absolutely, I don’t even need to think about that question. However, if everything that happens in a film is fictional, then I believe everyone has a right to express their creativity (within reason, of course. I in no way condone movies or shows that have real-life children being put in unnecessarily sexual situations. I do, and always will, despise movies like “Cuties” with every fiber of my being). Trust me, I would rather know someone is a deviant creep before I meet them, rather than having to find out the hard way by ever associating with them.
What do you think, fellow reader? Do you agree with my conclusion? If you ever see me walking around on campus and want to debate, you’re more than welcome to discuss the material I write. I encourage any form of debate as long as it’s respectful.
