Horror and Comedy are scarily, hilariously related.
The connection between the two narrative patterns is multifaceted.
For starters, they both initially trigger responses in the same area of the brain – the Amygdala.
From there, they both provoke similar spontaneous and involuntary physical responses.
- Vocal reactions such as screaming, laughter, groaning, grunting, squealing, snorting…
- Breathing irregularities such as panting, gasping, snorting, or the seizing up of the diaphragm so breathing is momentarily suspended.
- Adrenaline and endorphins are pumped through the system.
- Bladder weakness, even bowel weakness, can occur regardless of the proximity of others.
The two genres are often based upon the same prim moral base.
For example, Horror movies never end well for horny characters. And sexually-charged comedy characters like Fonzie (‘Happy Days’) never find true love.
There are no exceptions. Comedy and horror take no prisoners and never release the wicked into the wild. (Ever seen a comedy/horror character rewarded for their promiscuity?)
- Both genres apply their own archetypal characters.
- When the story resolves, the antagonism – be it supernatural or intrinsically human – always remains. At the end of jaws, the ocean is still full of sharks. At the end of every episode of ‘The Simpsons’, Homer is still Homer.
Best of all, key imperatives of Comedy and Horror are anticipation and surprise. Spooky!