Horror Movies On Streaming Being Slapped With On-Screen Warnings?
After a written plea from the charity Changing Faces, horror fans can expect to possibly see new on-screen horror movie warnings prefacing their favorite scary movies this Halloween season. According to Variety, Changing Faces CEO Heather Blake sent a letter out to many of the top streaming channels, asking that they add a warning to the beginning of horror films featuring villains with visible differences.
A nonprofit is asking streaming platforms to including warnings before horror movies including scarred or physically disfigured villains in the hopes of stemming the bullying and harassment of people will real life physical differences.
Blake brought to light that the scars, birthmarks, burns, or other conditions that cause a villain’s face or body to be disfigured in an unsightly (or scary) way can easily be linked to an influx of harassment or bullying for those who live daily life with similar markings.
The CEO made sure to clarify that the charity organization is not asking for the streaming channels to remove such movies, but to just add informative horror movie warnings to the beginning of such films to aid in education on the matter.
Changing Faces CEO, Heather Blake aimed the charity’s plea toward the chief content officers of streaming channels such as Netflix U.K., Amazon Prime Video, BBC, and Apple TV. With no official word on whether or not the streaming channels will comply with the request, stumbling upon a new horror movie warning on your favorite streaming channel should come as no surprise.
Visible differences have been used as a horror feature in movies for generations.
The letter sent out to the various media sources continued on to discuss how villains with visible differences can inadvertently reinforce negative stereotypes. Beth Bradfield (Sex Education) offered an influential voice backing up the charity’s request for new horror movie warnings, as someone who was born with a hemangioma that left facial scarring after being removed.
The actress speaks openly about her avocation of positive representation for those with visible differences. She is heavily involved in working towards inclusive television and films, however, she feels the industry still has a “long way to go”.
The CEO made sure to clarify that the charity organization is not asking for the streaming channels to remove such movies, but to just add informative horror movie warnings…
Visible differences have been used as a horror feature in movies for generations. While those visible differences do still have a place in horror, it seems the lines between everyday life and fiction need to be re-established at times.
This is where adding horror movie warnings could help. Overall, the charity needs the general public to understand that a deformity or difference in someone’s appearance doesn’t have to result in fear or aversion.
Changing Faces gave a more personal example of the issue citing the experience of one of their campaigners. Chris was born with a large facial birthmark that has been the source of much scrutiny throughout his life. He is often compared to Damien from The Omen. Damien’s scalp birthmark is proven to be a sign that he is the Antichrist.
Movies like The Omen and Nightmare on Elm Street are prime examples of where streaming services could add a little educational horror movie warning to serve as a reminder to viewers. You can do your part this spooky season by staying conscious of situations and doing your best not to allow a person’s outward appearance to dictate how you feel about who they are on the inside.
