Character Quote by Mike Flanagan
“Audiences have grown to equate being startled with being scared, and will complain that a movie 'isn't scary enough' if it doesn't have enough jump scares... so that means that a lot of studios will insist on shoving jump scares into a movie, regardless of character or story structure, thinking it 'makes it scarier.'”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Podcast with The Hollywood Reporter, 2022
Audiences now equate sudden shocks with fear, prompting studios to overuse jump scares regardless of narrative quality.
In simple terms: People think scares equal fear, so studios add jump scares.
Key Takeaway
Avoid relying on cheap scares; focus on story tension.
Themes
film
audience expectations
horror
industry trends
Mood
critical
analytical
concerned
Type
observational
industry commentary
When to use this quote
- movie reviews
- screenwriting workshops
- studio pitch meetings
- film festivals
Key Concepts
psychology of fear
storytelling
market pressure
Questions to Reflect On
- How can filmmakers create lasting dread without jump scares?
- What does this trend say about audience taste?
A Different Perspective
Overuse can desensitize viewers and undermine genuine suspense.
