The genre of horror film has a long history. Early horror films were often Gothic in style, usually set in spooky old mansions, castles, or dark locations. Various main characters have been the subjects of these films, including undead people, vampires, demented madmen, “Frankensteins,” “Jekyll/Hyde” duality, and evil spirits. Horror films often make use of such supernatural elements as the presence of a demon or a ghost, as well as the evil inhuman characters themselves.
Research has also revealed some common characteristics of horror film viewers. Women tended to show more negative reactions than men to horror films and earlier exposure was linked with sleep disturbances. Further, the behavioral measures found typical sex differences: girls tended to hide their eyes and cling to a loved one or were jumpy. Regardless of gender, horror films are designed to provoke fear and unease among viewers. So how does one define a horror film?
Frankenstein (1931) is an example of a classic monster/horror film. The James Whale adaptation of Mary Shelley’s novel made this film a horror classic. Boris Karloff played Dr. Henry Frankenstein, an outcast who created the monster. Karloff’s uncomprehending character was the perfect fit for the role of Dr. Henry Frankenstein. He played the uncomprehending Monster with his insecurities.