OP here!
I have really enjoyed reading this thread..I almost wish is *wasn't* so long so i could respond to each and every one of you individually! I knew there would be a lot of people agreeing with me, and I am grateful to know I am not alone in my distaste for this particular genre.
I found it interesting that many people would find a war film more disturbing than a movie like SAW. At first, I agreed and understood...yeah, that is VERY real ...what goes on in war, happens every day and is awful. But then again, even though *I* personally do not want to see stuff like that...maybe it will help people look for more peaceful alternatives to international conflicts. Maybe it will have some redeeming value, whether it makes some kid want to enlist, or another become an antiwar activist. Maybe it will just help us understand what is involved in war, since most of us are civilians.
Something like SAW....what does it teach anyone? I think it opens up a dark place in peoples'minds. I mean, everyone should be against torture and murder, right? So where is the redeeming quality? The fact that people can pay their hard earned money and spend 2 hours out of their busy lives...to watch *that*? And then go out for a bite to eat and chit chat and laugh...I feel like if it does not affect you, then THAT is the scariest part of all...how desensitized folks are.
Angelhalo-I don't think it is so much that 20 year olds are buffoons...but I do think at that age you see things differently. When I said that I loved "Pulp Fiction" I am like bumbershoot-I saw PF when I was in my early 20's (whenever it came out...I am 41 now) but I don't know if I would like it as much now. I know you know what is going on in the world...but even so, watching the news for the past 40 years, as opposed to the last 20 years like you...well, I can see where as time wears on you *may* be less likely to enjoy such movies. I say *may* cuz I know there are plenty of people my age that love them Also, I have never been a fan of any horror movies, so really, that has not changed.
Also, I agreed with bumbershoot that for some reason, it makes violence a little more tolerable when it is "the bad guys" getting it! I am still not confortable with it, but it does make it easier.
I know shows like Monk, Dexter and CSI are another topic, but I still don't get murder being entertaining. I remember watching The Rockford Files or Baretta as a kid...and the person was already dead when the whole detective work started. I really don't want to see someone die a horrible death right before I dish up my nightly ice cream and help my daughter with her homework.
I know I may lose some of the people that agree with me on this next statement...but I was at a Party City yesterday with my daughter, and the gal that worked there had very realistic makeup on, that looked like part of her face was burned or in an explosion or something. Now, I am not so offended that I march out of the store without buying anything,,,I just feel sad for anyone who maybe had such a thing happen to a loved one and has to see that. A very close family friend hung himself many years ago, and I feel for his family every time I see a "body"" or skeleton hanging from a tree in someone's yard as a Halloween decoration.
Anyway, like I said, I know I may lose some people with my last paragraph. But I want you all to know that *I* know I may be a little extreme. But really, I think it all goes together...i just don't find death or horrific images entertaining at all. I would NEVAH go to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal! Not even if it was free!
Like Shannon, I am a
MNSSHP all the way!
Anyway, thanks for the interesting discussion. I know that, like Patricia H, most fans of this genre are sweet people that are not twisted at all. I just wanted to understand a little better.
I subscribed to Fangoria magazine when I was about 12 and she was like 
