Regarding the news about Josh Giuliano that we previously reported, namely how humor in horror films can emphasize the tensest moments, and how, when used well, it offers the viewer an illusory and momentary relief, we return to the topic with Zach Cregger’s take on Resident Evil, an original story set within the world of the famous video games, which will hit theaters on September 17 and on which expectations are reasonably high. In Barbarian, and even more so in Weapons, the director has shown he is perfectly capable of balancing these two complementary and contrasting elements, laughter and fear (or disgust, depending on the desired reactions). Yet the result doesn’t always come out perfectly on the first try, and for this reason in America there are the famous (or infamous?) test screenings, where audiences often get a surprise film in advance and whose reactions serve as a guide if adjustments are needed, something that indeed happened with Resident Evil, as Cregger himself has recounted.
Resident Evil: People Laughing Too Much During a Horror Movie
To explain the changes required to deliver to the audience a version that is “balanced” of Resident Evil, it was the same Cregger himself who spoke these words:
I realized that the audience really enjoyed the film, but found it too funny. So, during the test phase, I removed as many jokes as possible. Then I discovered that not only did the audience like the film more, but I liked it a lot more myself. A bit of humor yields a great result in horror, and there isn’t a single line I removed that I miss.
In short, laughing in the middle of a horror is fine, but laughing too much can be distracting and push aside what truly matters, which is why trimming it has made Resident Evil a better film. Maybe except for those who wanted stronger fidelity to the video game stories, which have already been partly told by the predecessors. We really appreciate the choice to present an original premise within the classic framework; it’s also a way for people who have never played to enjoy the film for its horror elements without facing yet another fan-focused adaptation. And anyway, before judging it, it’s wise to wait until you’ve seen it. It’s almost time to find out.
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