But what sets scary movies apart from all other flicks, and why do people find them so attractive?  Well, since teenagers make up the largest portion of viewers, it is only logical to consult their expertise.

           The Park student body (with the exception of a few teachers) is split between the two types of terrifying films: thrillers and horror.  The distinguishing factor between the two is the presence of gore, horror films have it, and thrillers do not.  The draw to thrillers seems to be the suspense lingering at every turn, sometimes it’s predictable but yet the adrenaline rush takes over. 

“I know the man is going to leap out, but when he does I still jump,” states Brian Panek, who prefers suspense over violence. 

“I definitely like suspense, but I don’t need to see the creepy ones.  Thrillers are better than gore, blood, and guts,” says Senora Jaeger whose preference is clearly voiced in her statement. 

So thrillers, especially the classics, are largely enjoyed but what about the films that feature gore and violence?

           There are many different reasons people are drawn to slasher films, among them are curiosity, enjoyment, and just a variation from normality.  For some the fascination is simple, “blood is interesting to me.”  This to the point explanation was contributed by EB, Cynthia, and Bukky, a trio of friends who state that the ideal scary movie is intense with plenty of suspenseful moments. 

Elena Christensen explains that she enjoys horror films because they are, “surprising and exciting, not predictable like love stories.” 

Some people just enjoy the carnage and slaughter as Andrew Treadway reveals in his statement, “I like watching people get eaten and mutilated, it’s funny.  Like in The House of Wax, I don’t like Paris Hilton, so when her head was bashed in, I was happy.”  It doesn’t hurt when your least favorite actor happens to be playing one of the victims.

           What defines a scary movie, what sets it apart from other films?  “Surprises that make you jump,” exclaims Elena Christensen, “a storyline that is not ideal, a tragedy.”

Scary movies are movies that “make you keep watching,” explains Jack McMahan, “even though you don’t want to.” 

Maybe it’s that fact that their chilling effect seems to grow with the presence of less people, and that for some people the idea of watching one alone is unthinkable.  Or it could be the way a scary movie influences how people view their surroundings, a dark corner that never seemed so foreboding before, or creaks in the floorboards that now seem ominous. 

Whatever the draw and however people chose to define them, scary movies have become a substantial part of American society.  They have been a powerful influence for about the last one hundred and nineteen years, and will continue to be one in the years to come.    

Every month a Park High School student is chosen as ‘Artist of the Month” for excellence in the arts. This month we introduce senior Erin Gibbs. Not only does she  have remarkable talent in freehand sketches, but she specializes in photography, as well as creates her own music. Designer, photographer, or musician, it doesn’t matter which, Erin Gibbs excels at them all, and to top it off, she was voted this year’s Homecoming Queen.

 First off, how did you get interested in art?

My older siblings were always drawing and I wanted to be cool like them :]=

What is your favorite art style?
I have so many favorites, it’s hard to choose. I’ve always been a huge fan of graffiti, and pop art.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Most of the time I get inspired after reading a book, or watching a movie that is really emotional, or movies that have really crazy twists. It makes me want to create something that amazing.

If you could meet one person, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Paul McCartney, he is the ultimate musical genius and I could learn a lot from him.

What is the biggest event that has influenced who you are today?
My birth.

For most people, pursuing a future in art seems risky. What’s your stand on the issue?
I think that if your main goal in life is to make a lot of money, then pursing a career in art would definitely be risky.

Who is your biggest role model and why?
My biggest role model is Becca Lindusky. She has so much integrity and will power.

Are you planning on pursuing art as a career? If so, what areas of art will you be studying?

I am planning on going to college to get my bachelors degree in photojournalism.

Are you working on anything currently?

Besides writing and playing guitar, not really.

What are some things that you think people should know about you?

 I have a wonderful boyfriend named Devin Persaud, my favorite beverage is Pepsi, and I’m addicted to online Texas Hold’em.

Who do you think should be the next Artist of the Month?
I think that Becca Lindusky should be the next artist of the month

Check out Erin Gibbs at her music myspace:

http://www.myspace.com/erinkathleengibbs

 Additional Gallery:

Written By  Sarah Beck

In every issue, Wolfpack Press features one student as Artist of the Month.

 For the month of October, we introduce sophomore David Johanson, who shows a strong passion for graphic art, music, and urban culture. David’s bright mind and creative style flows out of his work. You can expect to see and hear more from him in the near future!

At what age did you become interested in art?
My family is full of artists, so I was basically born into an artistic environment right away. I began innovating my work when I was about ten or eleven though.

By: D. Johanson

What are you working on currently?
It’s always changing. I’m usually always working on something new. Usually I just work on filling a sketchbook with as many random ideas as possible, then I go back and refine everything digitally.

Which piece of yours is your favorite and why?
I don’t have a favorite. This sounds really generic, but I’ll probably never have a favorite piece of work because I’ll always think I can do something better.

Who is your biggest role model?
I can’t name just one person, so I’ll just make it broad and say anyone that takes a risk and does something out of the ordinary. It takes a lot of imagination and creativity to create a whole new idea out of nothing.