Writing the Horror Movie

by Marc Blake, Sara Bailey

Tales of horror have always been with us, from Biblical times to the Gothic novel to successful modern day authors and screenwriters. Though the genre is often maligned, it is huge in popularity and its resilience is undeniable. Marc Blake and Sara Bailey offer a detailed analysis of the horror genre, including its subgenres, tropes and the specific requirements of the horror screenplay.

Tracing the development of the horror film from its beginnings in German Expressionism, the authors engage in a readable style that will appeal to anyone with a genuine interest in the form and the mechanics of the genre. This book examines the success of Universal Studio’s franchises of the ‘30s to the Serial Killer, the Slasher film, Asian Horror, the Supernatural, Horror Vérité and current developments in the field, including 3D and remakes. It also includes step-by-step writing exercises, annotated extracts from horror screenplays and interviews with seasoned writers/directors/ producers discussing budget restrictions, screenplay form and formulas and how screenplays work during shooting.

Genres: Nonfiction, Horror, Film, Writing

272 pages, Paperback

First published July 18, 2013

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic but absolutely loaded with spoilers.

[Upen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read on writing horror. It’s really informative but you would have to be a horror fan to understand the examples from so many movie references given but still a lot you can take with you from this book. Super insightful and now I have a whole lot of movies to catch up on so I can re read this book at some point

[L.K. Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best horror screenwriting reference books I've ever read. Thorough research and information provides readers with not only the proper structure of a horror movie script, but also a breakdown of the sub-genres with an explanation of the history and psychology behind each. Examples of movies and plot points help readers identify how and why these plot points are essential. In the back of the book also contains interviews and a list of film festivals, important to a screenwriter who wishes to submit their manuscripts for reviews and viewing.

My only two complaints are that in three specific occasions, the author provided inaccurate information. The other is that the author could've described all of the major plot points in a horror movie, rather than just the three or four main ones explored. According to the Hollywood standard a movie should contain nine major plot points and each occurs on a specific page. This book only explains a few.

Combine the information learned in this book with Viki King's "How to Write a Movie in 21 Days," and Denny Flinn's book, "How Not to Write a Screenplay," and of course "Save the Cat" by Blake Snyder and you've got the start of solid foundation for screenwriting.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

More of a history and an aesthetic of horror film and script-writing than a nuts and bolts book. Very good; well written, and worth a careful read.

There are too many formulaic style guides out there...Blake's book, thankfully, breaks with the tradition and because of this, and a finely tuned aesthetic sensibility, it is a book many will find useful and pleasurable.

5 out of 5 stars

Just as much fun the 2nd time around.

[Brenda Dierckx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only if you want to write horror yourself, but also if you want to gain knowledge about the genre or want to analyze horrormovies, this book will definately be a great help.

[Chris Haigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of an exploration/review/history of horror, than a writing exercise, it nonetheless provides plenty of information, ideas, and advice, as well as some cool questions at the back.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb insight into the writing of horror movies. As a fiction writer in this genre, I wanted to find out how screenwriters plot movies, and it was interesting to see how they too, use the three arc structure. The focus on plot was my favourite section of the book, as I feel that it has given me some building blocks in which to start my debut novel. There are various tips in this book that I have taken and stored away in the cellar of my brain, to use at a later date. I recommend this book to any horror writer, producer, director or fan.

[Joey McCloskey-Caballero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful guide through the genre and taught more me about the guts of film-making

[Jennifer Shaiman · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I was reading this looking for selections for my class, which reads and watches horror rather than writing it, Blake and Bailey's book provides some nice insights on the standard structure and conventions of horror movies. The first 2/3 are more useful for those interested in how the genre works formally.

The writing is accessible and lively--suitable for a college class.