The Real Psychological Disorders Behind Your Favorite Horror Movies

Author: Brian A. Sharpless

Synopsis

The title basically says it all. The author goes through a veritable compendium of horror movies and details the real-life psychological disorders that may be at work.

Most surprising revelation

Clinical Lycanthropy, the belief that one is a werewolf has been studied and reported on. There are 13 confirmed cases, at least according to the author. There has even been a reported case of a were-gerbil. Even more surprising is that the belief that one is a were-dog is more prevalent. Who knew?

Is it Worth Your Time?

For the cerebral types who wonder ‘How Exactly can that happen?’ when watching a movie, this book is for you. The author breaks down common horror tropes and details the possible psychological disorders within. For example, the movie ‘It Follows’ may have been an instance of Fergoli’s Delusion; the belief is that those close to you are other people disguised to trick you. Adding a whole new dimension to the film. 

Some of the disorders discussed include.

• Sleep paralysis
• Cannibalism
• Vampirism
• Lycanthropy
• And so much more

The book is so wonderful I only have the tiniest quibble that sometimes the book delves into sociology and away from psychology. For example, of the many reasons for cannibalism, the examples given were cultural or situational over psychological. It still makes for a fascinating read even if some chapters strayed from the book’s original aim.

A special call out to Cotard’s Syndrom where one believes they are dead. The book ties this into zombie films to explain how one can believe they have become zombies. But the author missed a prime opportunity to reference the TV show ‘Hannibal’, which featured a patient with Cotard’s Syndrom. Ok, it’s a TV show and not a movie, but any excuse to rewatch the truly unsettling TV masterpiece is ok in my book. Seriously, if you’re reading this post and haven’t watched it yet, you should do so as soon as possible.

If you are a horror movie fan and even if you aren’t, you’ll find new movies to add to your watch list, or even get a new appreciation for an old favorite. One recommendation that stood out was ‘The Nightmare’. A movie about sleep paralysis that combines documentary film techniques and live-action. Be careful though, like the author you might give yourself an up close and personal encounter. That is as scary as it is unexpected.

Photo Credit: Chicago Review Press