The Horror of Ears According to Me

When reading or viewing Eastern or Asian horror based works, subliminal cultural differences come through when comparing them to “western” horror.  Although both seem to be aimed at our fears, the Asian horror seems to have a closer connection to the afterlife. Additionally, the Asian films seem to have a social message interwoven into the physical horror. The Asian film is not just a gore fest, it has a message to convey.

When I was reading the novel A Wild Sheep Chase, the horror theme was not immediately evident. The read was more along the lines of a standard Haruki Murakami book with its dry wit, use of absurd characters and situations, and references to Western Culture.  For example, he notes rock music and Alan Ginsberg (Howl) and a character that is unsatisfied with his life. Initially, I honestly found more connections to Douglas’ Hitchhiker’s Guide, a sci-fi comedy, because of its narrative structure and how it seemingly went off topic. However, the novel was really adding a new plot point or device.  Murakami was setting the reader up for the kill. Murakami is giving us subliminal messages with symbolism and even premonitions, specifically from the girlfriend. I also viewed Takashi Miike’s Audition which to say the least, was the most disturbing movie I have ever seen. From what I have noticed from the book and film, these Asian works both develop off of buildup. Both are non-linear, not following the Western structure. Both works also use a slight woman as a vehicle for evil in comparison to Western movies whose villain is usually a strong male.  Asian works are usually more of a cerebral horror not bowing down to pure murder and blood.

               There is also a difference in eastern and western in how they represent the supernatural. The ghost in Sheep is not to scare but works in as part of the symbolism and message. It is probably because of the Asian’s belief in reincarnation and an afterlife. They have a sense of tradition and honoring the elderly and dead. The Asian tale is haunting or disturbing versus the western which is terrifying.

The manipulation of the protagonist is evident in the Asian works, others driving them insane by bringing their ineptness to the forefront.  The Eastern tale is an inner horror made more unsettling because it could be inside you. In the Western Horror more demons attack from the outside in a solely physical rather than a mental way. The Eastern story revolves around the life of an everyday person who stays in his own persona but in western horror, there is something wrong with the evil person, burned or parents killed in front of him. The plot of the Asian horror is more intricate.

               Asian culture is stereotyped as being the most brilliant or educated. Their horror films continue with this quest in their attempts to socially educate through entertainment. Whereas the Western horror seems to be aimed at scaring its audience by exhibiting the most special effects.