Abstract

This chapter discusses the ambivalent relationship between horror and mainstream cinema. Despite horror's niche status, mass audiences are drawn to supernatural elements and themes of peril as a matter of course. However, it is relatively rare for the major studios to fund and distribute out-and-out horror films. This is not to say that the studio system has not colluded to generate financially successful horror and horror that was 'approved' by the industry through sanctioned awards. Nevertheless, it is instructive to note that horror, in general, exists mainly outside the mainstream, and is generally the province of independent production. The chapter then looks at Lionsgate and the marketing of SAW (2004) as a horror text. It also considers the type of horror in SAW, as well as the concept of 'torture porn'.

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