The Value of Shock Value

Do you like horror movies?

I do now, but I used to be a complete weenie about anything gory or violent. 

Suffice to say, that’s changed a lot in recent years, and I couldn’t really tell you why. These days, I’m actually a bit of a gorehound, and very little shocks me. One thing I’ve noticed lately, though, is how hard filmmakers are trying to.

All the headlines on my Google feed lately say things like “Audiences fainted in the aisles during Terrifier 3” or, “Director Robert Eggers on exploring pure evil” (I’m paraphrasing). I spent a lot of time reading articles like those and thinking about if, and why, art should shock the people who see it. 

After all, don’t we seek out art to really think about an important topic or, sometimes, to get a little happy escapism? So, what’s the point of shock value, if there is one?

Disclaimer: I don’t need to tell you that we could definitely explore this topic through a lot of other current events, but that’s no fun, so let’s talk about movies.

Why and When Shock Value Works

The biggest defense of shock value that I’ve seen (at least from creators I admire) is the idea that art is meant to make people feel strongly. If they’re shocked or disturbed, they’re feeling something visceral. 

I don’t think that’s enough on its own. 

I think, to have any positive point at all, shocking art should put the defibrillator pads to your chest, wake you up, and then show you something relevant, poignant, or inspirational. 

Here’s an example. The idea for this article has been brewing in my head ever since I saw the trailer for an upcoming body horror movie called The Substance. During this trailer, a quote from a reviewer popped up. This quote was:

“An enraged scream in cinematic form.” 

(Credit to New York Magazine, and I hope that author wins a Pulitzer)

That stuck with me. Although I haven’t seen it yet, I know that this film addresses absurd beauty standards around famous women as they age. 

Translation: This movie aims to scream loud enough to get your attention, then let that scream echo through your brain as you think more closely about the images you see in the media and how you see yourself. 

It’s meant to be an angry piece of art, and if you watch it, you shouldn't see the world the same way after. The creator’s anger should become your own and inspire you to make a change.

That’s shock value in its finest form. Let your shocking content be a jolt awake and a call to introspection, rather than a simple thrill your audience walks easily away from 10 seconds later.

Disclaimer part deux: I do not, at all, claim that shock value for its own sake can’t (or shouldn’t) exist. 

I will continue to watch silly, splashy, bloody movies that have effectively no point. I’m simply planting the idea that, if impacting folks is your goal, there’s an art to using shock value.