#horror2014

In the Source Link, you will find a gif pack of Benjamin Ayres in horror film - Death do us Part (2014).

Benjamin plays the role of Derrick Harris, the brother of the groom and attendee at the elopement. Derrick takes an interest in Emily. It takes place in a cabin in the woods, and there are a lot of surprises. The film itself was written by the lead co-stars (married actors - Julia and Peter Benson).

In the Source Link, you will find a gif pack of Kyle Cassie in horror film - Death do us Part (2014).

Kyle plays the role of Chet Donovan, one of the friends attending the elopement. It takes place in a cabin in the woods, and there are a lot of surprises. The film itself was written by the lead co-stars (married actors - Julia and Peter Benson). Kyle and Emilie later went on to marry, but were dating during the film.

Starry Eyes (m.2014) Directed by Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer.

‘Between a  Rock and a hard Place’

Hollywood is burning, and we rejoice (!) - finally the dinosaurs who have ravaged hundreds and thousands of victims, are finally seeing their day of reckoning. Weinstein, Louis C.K., Kevin Spacey....just to name a few. (R.I.P.) 

When it comes to my personal taste of horror films, I typically become attached to the story behind the gore and mayhem. Sexual assault, fame, misogyny and elitism rears its ugly head in 'Starry Eyes', redefining the approach to subjective oppression within the horror genre.

Alex Essoe plays a hopeful actress in modern day Los Angeles. She works at a Hooters like burger joint called 'Big Taters', and uneasily maintains 'friendships' with people determined to make her feel inadequate. Feeling as if her acting career is becoming stagnant, she finally lands an audition for a movie called 'The Silver Scream' – a horror film.  She auditions and is chosen to meet the Producer. Unfortunately for her, she is faced with the choice of 'sexual assault or a fameless existence'. Desperate to lay her claim to fame and to prove that she is worthy of her art – she concedes to a 'Satanic' fate, the price to be paid in blood - and her own bodily autonomy. 

Hollywood is a by product of a white patriarchal society that we live and breathe. For decades, tales of ‘the price of fame’ have been hushed about, giving way to a sort of ‘Oh well, that’s just the way it is’ attitude that reaches our everyday lives. Rape culture is just a tiny symptom of viral institutions upheld by privilege, power, and ultimately - white males. They are the gatekeepers to any and every world you can imagine.

For Sarah, even her day job as a ‘Taters Girl’ , was predicated by her quote ‘nice guy’ boss who at time, oogled her body and chastised her for ‘having big dreams’. ‘Starry Eyes’ makes it clear that patriarchy, rape culture and misogyny affect women in every position or world they choose to inhabit. Unfortunately, Sarah had to choose the one path that would lead her to ‘her desires’ - while also falling victim to a system that upholds rape culture in a silver light. 

The film frames the exchange between herself and the producer as ‘consensual’ - but really, when one is given the option to sacrifice themselves in exchange for an otherwise, unattainable dream - and the power dynamic being held by captive by white male privilege - can it still be considered as such? Sure, we may agree to do whatever is needed for us to survive - but with limited options, how can we choose our ideal path, our own road? 

In the end, she has to sacrifice her circle of friends in order to appease the infallible Deity that the Production Company, (Astraeus) worships. Considering that these ‘friends’ joked about her incident with the producer, while simultaneously slut shaming her - it was quite enjoyable to see her enact revenge. 

ANYWAY - my point is..

While it is wonderful that celebrities are championing their former rapists by unveiling the heinous crimes committed - we have to think about the everyday people who are not so fortunate to come forward. We have to think about the constant destruction of the social order that has left ruins in it’s destructive path. Dismantling our own learned behaviors, and being cognizant of everyone’s traumas under an inept system. Creating a world where personal sacrifice doesn't entail the ultimate sacrifice - your own integrity and self worth.