Having Backstory in a Horror Film is…Very Important

As a filmmakers and a huge fan of horror films I think it's important to have backstory for your villain. When you look at the film Friday the 13th for instance, the backstory for Jason Voorhees character keeps us engaged and makes the story more interesting. It pulls us in and makes us want more- hence why there are so many Friday the 13th's. The backstory creates conversations among film’s audience and that discovery and interpretation of the backstory creates this long lasting intrigue. Without it this movie franchise wouldn't be as successful.

When I was writing The Luring having a solid backstory for the main characters like for Garrett, Jennifer and Tom for instance was very important to the development of my film. It gives an interesting reason and explanation for things to happen within the script ultimately making the film more engaging like Tom’s infatuation with the red balloon, young Garrett’s reaction to the red truck Tom gave him, Jennifer’s feelings towards Garrett after all these years, etc..

Character development is something I’ve always been drawn to, I like it in the movies I watch and the scripts and films I produce. For me I don’t want some random villain to just exist and create carnage, that’s lazy film making and shows little effort and a disrespect to the audience. I also think as we evolve as an audience collectively there is a stronger desire to have the villains and characters that have a compelling backstory, who are developed. It keeps my interest and inspires me. I hope when you watch your next horror film, look out for the backstory, see how the writer presents that. Does it work? Is it forced? Is it basic and been done before?