Thriller movies have always entertained audiences. One of the more captivating genres of thriller movie is the walk among the tombstones. These are movies that center around a person walking along a street lined with old mausoleums or cemetery stones, usually in an isolated or rural location. Theme and tone are often dark and eerie, with the protagonist facing some kind of imminent danger or deep sorrow. This genre of movies is particularly effective in conveying horror and suspense, making them a favorite among horror movie fans.
An example of a popular walk among the tombstones thriller movie is Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho’. The movie takes place in a small town and follows Marion Crane as she flees town after stealing money from her employer. Marion meets a mysterious figure in a graveyard and is eventually drawn into a web of murder and intrigue. ‘Psycho’ is a classic example of how a walk among the tombstones can create suspense and horror, drawing viewers into the mystery of what will happen next.
Another popular walk among the tombstones thriller is ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. The movie follows FBI agent Clarice Starling as she attempts to track down the serial killer known as ‘Buffalo Bill.’ Clarice is sent to investigate a graveyard full of gravestones, in an attempt to determine the identity of the killer. The graveyard is full of potential clues and danger, creating a suspenseful atmosphere as Clarice begins to piece together the clues.
Many other movies have used the walk among the tombstones device to create horror and suspense as well. ’28 Days Later’ follows a group of survivors from a post-apocalyptic world who are forced to make their way through a cemetery filled with zombie-like creatures. ‘Insidious’ follows a family as they explore an old family cemetery filled with haunted graves. And ‘Ghost Ship’ follows a group of passengers on a haunted cruise ship, as they make their way through a graveyard filled with mysterious coffins.
In addition to its use in film, the walk among the tombstones has also been used in literature. Some notable examples include ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ by Shirley Jackson and ‘The Wailing of the Willow’ by Mary Downing Hahn. In both books, characters are drawn into dangerous situations as they investigate old cemeteries. Similarly, Robert Silverberg’s ‘The Man in the Maze’ describes a mysterious character who wanders through strange places in search of something.
The walk among the tombstones has become something of a trope in horror and suspense movies, as well as literature. Hollywood continues to produce movies and books in this vein, as fans of horror and suspense continue to enjoy the unique atmosphere that it creates.
Exploring an Interesting Setting
One of the key components of a walk among the tombstone thriller is the setting. A graveyard, mausoleum, or old cemetery can offer a unique atmosphere of mystery and dread. The darkness of the night, the eerie silence, and the sense of being watched can all add to the tension and suspense. The location of the tombstones also adds to the atmosphere, as these typically occur in remote or rural areas. This can create an intense sense of isolation, adding to the danger and suspense of the story.
In addition to creating an atmosphere of dread, the walk among the tombstones can also be used as a symbol of death and mortality. The protagonist’s journey through the graveyard can be a reflection of their own mortality, as every step is taken in the presence of death. This can be used to further emphasize the emotions of the story, as well as the stakes of the protagonist’s quest.
Finally, the walk among the tombstones can also be used to explore themes of grief and loss. Characters may come face to face with their own mortality, as they come to terms with a loved one’s death. Similarly, the graveyard can be used as a symbol of grief, as the protagonist faces the unwelcome reality of death. This adds an even deeper layer of emotion to the story, as characters come to grips with their sorrow and struggle to find comfort in the face of mortality.
A Reflection of Life
The walk among the tombstones genre is not just about horror and suspense. It can also be used to explore larger themes of life and death. Movies like ‘Psycho’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ are not simply about a protagonist’s fight for survival, but also about their journey towards self-awareness and redemption. These characters confront their own mortality as they explore graveyards and mausoleums, coming to terms with their own mortality and the realities of life.
Movies like ‘The Sixth Sense’ and ‘The Others’ use the walk among the tombstones to explore themes of grief and loss, as characters come to terms with the death of a loved one. Similarly, the movie ‘Ghost Ship’ uses a walk among the tombstones to explore themes of guilt and responsibility, as characters confront the ghosts of the past and come to terms with their own culpability. In all these cases, the walk among the tombstones serves as a reflection of life and death, as characters come to terms with their own mortality.
The walk among the tombstones genre can also be used to explore themes of mortality in a more metaphysical sense. For instance, movies like ‘Donnie Darko’ and ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ explore the idea of a life after death, as characters confront their own mortality in the face of an afterlife. Similarly, ‘WALL-E’ and ‘A.I.’ explore the idea of artificial intelligence, as the protagonists are confronted with their own mortality in the face of an artificial being. The walk among the tombstones can be used to explore deeper themes of mortality in these cases, as characters come to terms with the idea of life after death or the existence of artificial beings.
A Versatile Genre
The walk among the tombstones genre is a versatile one, providing filmmakers and writers with a unique setting that can be used to convey horror and suspense, as well as deeper themes of life and death. By placing characters in a cemetery or graveyard, filmmakers and writers can create intense atmosphere of dread and suspense. They can also explore larger themes of mortality and grief, as characters confront their own mortality in the face of death.
The genre can also be used to explore metaphysical themes, such as the existence of an afterlife or artificial intelligence. Movies like ‘Donnie Darko’ and ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ use the walk among the tombstones to explore the idea of a life beyond death, while ‘WALL-E’ and ‘A.I.’ explore the concept of artificial intelligence. In all these cases, the walk among the tombstones serves as a setting that can be used to explore themes of mortality and life after death.
The walk among the tombstones is a popular theme in horror and suspense movies, as well as literature. It is an effective way to create atmosphere and suspense, as well as explore deeper themes of life and death. The genre has been used in films and books for many years and continues to be popular today.
Popularity in Recent Years
The genre has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years, as more filmmakers and writers have been drawn to its unique setting and atmosphere. Movies like ‘Get Out’, ‘It Follows’, and ‘Hereditary’ all use the walk among the tombstones to create intense suspense and explore larger themes of mortality. Similarly, books like ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ and ‘The Wailing of the Willow’ have all drawn readers in with their unique atmosphere and exploration of themes of grief and mortality.
The walk among the tombstones has also become more popular in other mediums, such as video games. The horror game ‘Outlast’ follows a journalist who must explore an abandoned asylum, while the adventure game ‘Grim Fandango’ is set in a mysterious underworld populated by ghostly figures. Both games use the walk among the tombstones setting to create a unique atmosphere full of mystery and dread, as well as explore themes of mortality and afterlife.
Finally, the walk among the tombstones can also be used as a tool for storytelling. In popular television shows like ‘American Horror Story’, ‘ orphan Black’, and ‘Bates Motel’, the graveyard serves as a symbol for the protagonists’ dark pasts. In all these cases, the graveyard and tombstones serve as a reflection of the characters’ inner turmoil, as they confront their own mortality and come to terms with the darkness of their pasts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the walk among the tombstones genre is one of the most effective tools for creating horror and suspense. It is also a versatile medium that can be used to explore deeper themes of life and death. Movies like ‘Psycho’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ have showcased the genre’s capabilities, while more recent films like ‘Get Out’ and ‘It Follows’ have also drawn audiences into this unique setting. Similarly, books and video games have explored the genre in other ways, while television shows have used it as a tool for storytelling.
The genre has been around for many years and continues to draw viewers and readers in with its captivating atmosphere and exploration of life and death. Whether it’s used to create horror and suspense, or explore themes of mortality and redemption, the walk among the tombstones genre is a powerful one.
