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Creature Features: Nature Turned Nasty in the Movies

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From the earliest days of cinema, filmmakers have been fascinated by the potential for nature to turn nasty. From killer sharks to mutant spiders, nature has been a source of terror and fascination in movies for decades.

Creature Features: Nature Turned Nasty in the Movies

by William Schoell

4.3 out of 5

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The first creature feature was probably The Giant Claw (1957),which featured a giant bird that terrorized a small town. Since then, there have been countless other creature features, including such classics as Jaws (1975),Alien (1979),and The Thing (1982).

Creature features are often seen as a subgenre of horror movies, but they can also be classified as science fiction or even comedy. What sets creature features apart from other horror movies is their focus on animals or other creatures as the source of terror.

There are many reasons why creature features are so popular. For one thing, they tap into our primal fears of the unknown. We are all afraid of being eaten by a shark or attacked by a bear. Creature features allow us to experience these fears in a safe and controlled environment.

Another reason for the popularity of creature features is that they can be very visually appealing. The creatures in creature features are often visually stunning, and the action sequences can be very exciting. This combination of visual appeal and excitement makes creature features a great choice for moviegoers who are looking for a fun and thrilling experience.

Of course, not all creature features are created equal. Some creature features are poorly made and rely on cheap scares. However, the best creature features are well-made and offer a truly unique and terrifying experience.

If you are a fan of horror movies, science fiction movies, or just movies in general, then you should definitely check out creature features. They are a great way to experience the thrill of fear in a safe and controlled environment.

The History of Creature Features

The history of creature features can be traced back to the early days of cinema. In 1910, the French filmmaker Georges Méliès released The Monster, which featured a giant octopus that terrorized a group of sailors. This film was a huge success, and it helped to inspire other filmmakers to create their own creature features.

In the 1930s, creature features began to take on a more modern form. Films such as King Kong (1933) and The Bride of Frankenstein (1935) featured giant monsters that were both terrifying and sympathetic. These films helped to establish the creature feature as a popular genre.

In the 1950s and 1960s, creature features became even more popular. Films such as Them! (1954) and The Blob (1958) featured giant ants and a giant amoeba that threatened to destroy the world. These films were a huge success, and they helped to make creature features one of the most popular genres of the time.

In the 1970s and 1980s, creature features continued to be popular. Films such as Jaws (1975),Alien (1979),and The Thing (1982) were all huge successes. These films helped to establish the creature feature as a genre that could be both terrifying and thought-provoking.

In recent years, creature features have continued to be popular. Films such as Cloverfield (2008),Pacific Rim (2013),and A Quiet Place (2018) have all been huge successes. These films have helped to prove that the creature feature is a genre that is still relevant and popular today.

The Enduring Popularity of Creature Features

There are many reasons why creature features have remained popular for so long. For one thing, they tap into our primal fears of the unknown. We are all afraid of being eaten by a shark or attacked by a bear. Creature features allow us to experience these fears in a safe and controlled environment.

Finally, creature features can be very thought-provoking. The best creature features often explore themes such as the dangers of technology, the importance of environmental protection, and the nature of good and evil. These films can be both entertaining and educational, which makes them a great choice for moviegoers who are looking for something more than just a thrill ride.

Creature Features: Nature Turned Nasty in the Movies

by William Schoell

4.3 out of 5