Each decade or so, there is a horror film, or even multiple horror films that help solidify them in the cultural zeitgeist of that time. Psycho exploded on the scene in the 1960s and turned the genre of horror on its head by making the controversial decision to explore themes of sexual identity and what was considered at the time graphic violence towards women. Something that was far outside of the norm in Western media at the time.
Following Psycho, we got a peek into the societal fears that permeated the 70s as 1974’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre explored horror that happens within the seemingly mundane. The trauma that occurs when the seemingly innocent things around us are more than they seem, in a way that shatters our view of what is around us, especially given its horrific inspiration, Ed Gein; a reportedly helpful, albeit shy fellow who turned out to be one of the most prolific killers, and graverobbers given his occult interests, and dark proclivities. The point is that for each generation of people living today, there are films that capture those peoples' fears, something that we can look back and analyze or observe while they are in the making. One of those films that I would like to look at is Smile 2. Now, this will be a spoiler-free look at the themes in the film, so you can wipe the sweat off your brow if you haven’t seen this gem.
Smile 2 follows popstar, Skye Riley, one year after a fatal, substance-induced car accident that has left her marred in the public eye, something that I think is especially apt today. We live in a world that is now rife with legendary pop icons, from the Swifts, Carpenters, and Rodrigos, there are so many real-life artists who are viewed more as brands to tie your allegiance to than anything else, and I’d like to think that there is some level of culture shock that comes with that level of prestige and fame. Having to navigate as this socially, culturally, and artistically aware person at all times while maintaining a veneer of perfection, well, needless to say, that would be a horror movie in and of itself. However, when showcased in Smile 2 we get to see the level of isolation that comes with such a lifestyle even if it may be exaggerated. Throughout the film runtime, we get a profound look into the horrors of unhealthy coping mechanisms linked to unaddressed trauma, and a theme of losing control that is pervasive throughout the entire film, and I can’t help but think that lines up perfectly with the societal fears of the people that I see every single day. College students, young people, and those who are afraid to let life push them and their dreams to the wayside, oftentimes for that to happen anyway despite how much they rage against it. Skye Riley’s character perfectly exemplifies just that. If I could describe my generation in one word, that word would be fearless. But, when you manage to poke holes in that fearless facade, you're left with a person who loses themselves and inevitably spirals into something empty and bitter at dreams unattained—a concept that I think perfectly encapsulates the fears of a burgeoning generation.
コメント