Skip to main content

Week 4 [04.11-10.11.19] H.P. Lovecraft: the man who can make you feel afraid of seafood


As it has been Halloween period recently, it would still be appropriate to talk about something dark and spooky. I am not a big horror fan myself but I appreciate a good story with some eerie touch so that’s why I’d like for you to see a video about a horror author whose works are becoming more and more popular with each passing day, taking into account that he wrote them in the 1920s – 1940s.



So, here are some questions for you:
1)      Are you familiar with H.P. Lovecraft’s universe? What is your opinion on his stories and their overall tone?
2)      In your opinion, what is the best platform for scaring someone — a movie screen, where all cinematic tricks are thrown at you, videogames, where on top of movie tricks you are in control of a character, therefore increasing immersion, or a book page, where it’s only a writer’s word, you and your imagination, face to face?
3)      What do you think of the whole horror genre? Do you like it? If not, what genres do you prefer?

Comments

1. I heard something about Lovecraft's universe but it's not much. I know World of Warcraft universe took some ideas from Lovecraft's books, for example in Blizzards game there are Old Gods, in books are Old Ones even how they look like is similar. In future I really want to get to know this universe. I think this is type of stories which are close to my liking

2. In my personal point of view the best platform to scare someone are video games. Let's talk about this. Video games connect all best things from books, movies, imagination and sometimes face to face moments (VR technology). Video games can use special effects (same quality as hollywood movies) to create scary monster or ghost. I think imagination and books are close to ech other and our/someone imagination here is the key to scare us/someone. The biggest argument here is that we are inside this virtual world and feel this immersion.

3. I'm big fan of horrors, specially movies but I prefer these old ones like "Evil Dead", "A Nightmare on Elm Street" or "Friday the 13th". I watch or read ("IT" Stephen King) them because I love this creepy story behind these monsters and murders.
Kacper Gąsior said…
1. Yes, I'm a big fan of this author. What I like about his works is this disturbing atmosphere combined with a taste of unreal but somehow convincing situations. I really like the idea of creating own mythology and some myths about the content of his works. E. G. 'Necronomicon', a book, which appears in his novels, but in fact was never created. As I know Lovecraft never denied inauthenticity of this book, so people were interested whether it really exists or not.

2. For me the best medium to create an appropriate atmosphere for horror is a book. It highly depends on your imagination so the author may just what is happening and your mind will 'add' pictures to this situations.
Video games may also be a good source of thrills, as you can be in someone's skin, decide what he is doing and somehow feel what he is feeling, by observing the situation from his point of view.
To be honest, I don't really like horror movies. I think that directors don't realize their possiblities by focusing on 'cheap thrills' - jump scares, scary children and so on - these things can be found in many films. Of course, there are some worth mentioning exceptions, like new movies by Jordan Peele.

3. All in all I like horros. Of course, everything depends on certain work. Some horrors are great, sometimes it's a rubbish.
Mostly I know Lovecraft's univers from songs by Metallica and Polish rapper Słoń. I must admit that his imagination was really amazing and the monsters from his books terrifying. I would say that games with VR technology are probably the best way to experience the sensations of a horror movie. I'm not a fan of horror, in fact I don't even like them, because when I watch a horror movie I'm waiting all the time in full focus on the terrible scene. Additionally, I think you need to have a talent to shoot this genre, because some horror movies are terribly weak.

1) Are you familiar with H.P. Lovecraft’s universe? What is your opinion on his stories and their overall tone?

No, I have never heard about him but his universe seems to be very interesting.

2) In your opinion, what is the best platform for scaring someone — a movie screen, where all cinematic tricks are thrown at you, videogames, where on top of movie tricks you are in control of a character, therefore increasing immersion, or a book page, where it’s only a writer’s word, you and your imagination, face to face?

I think video games are the best for it because we have control of person in the middle of nightmare. Especially now with VR technology we can have a feeling of being surrounded from every corner.

3) What do you think of the whole horror genre? Do you like it? If not, what genres do you prefer?

Yes, I like it. Mostly the old horror works. The best thing for me is that we can imagine anything evil, scary or different from the things we know and later put it on the screen so the whole world can be moved by it.
Anna Koca said…
I don't watch horror movies and I am not familiar with H.P. Lovecraft’s universe. I have sensitive, vulnerable psyche and I don't want to be scared. I watched maybe one or two horrors in my life when I was a child, and I still can feel bad consequences of this. In my opinion horrors are not for everybody and I try to avoid entertainment based on fear. Insomnia, wakefulness, being constantly scared and afraid of darkness isn't fun to me.
Cem Ates said…
I usually don't watch the horror kind movies but in some rare cases when there is sometimes special to being watch, I love too watch, especially something in general horror and action genre. Not with bloods and stuffs, but as we come back to the topic, I have heard H.P Lovecraft, but I think IMO Stephen King is better, at least his novels are happy ending rather than the Lovecrafts' :)
Bartosz Waś said…
1. I haven't heard much about his universe and any of his work before but it seems spooky and interesting. I like horror movies, stories etc so I think it could absorb me for a while.

2.I think movies are the best platform of scaring. The visual and sound effects plus an interesting story makes it work the best.

3.Yes I like it. Usually that type of movies don't have very ambitious plot lines but that's not what they are made for. It's just entertaining to watch a horror from time to time.
Olga Przytula said…
1. Are you familiar with H.P. Lovecraft’s universe? What is your opinion on his stories and their overall tone?

No, I’m not familiar with this universe. I’ve heard about it before, moreover I recall in memory this faint image of disgusting, slimy creature with tentacles and glowy eyes, but I have no further idea about author’s work or stories. Additionally, I’m not into science fiction and this subject matter, so for me it’s nothing significant. There is no doubt, however, that notion, to intimidate people with things, that are invisible to the eye, is something worth appreciating. Despite my lack of familiarity with the lore, I am aware that it had a big impact on the popular culture, as we can see Cthulhu motive pretty often in art, memes and video games.

2. In your opinion, what is the best platform for scaring someone — a movie screen, where all cinematic tricks are thrown at you, videogames, where on top of movie tricks you are in control of a character, therefore increasing immersion, or a book page, where it’s only a writer’s word, you and your imagination, face to face?

I think it all depends on the person, their imagination and preferences. Sometimes even the atmosphere around us and our imagination alone can create quite frightening scenarios. I’ve actually recalled, that few days ago, I was talking with my friend about VR technology, and she firmly stated, that she would never play any horror game with this equipment. Her husband was yelling most of the time, and after the gameplay had a problem with falling asleep for about 2 hours.

3. What do you think of the whole horror genre? Do you like it? If not, what genres do you prefer?

I’m not into this horror/sci-fi genre nowadays. There used to be a time, where I was absorbing books about crimes, unusual events and dangerous phenomena like a madman. My imagination was thriving with ideas and case scenarios. I was able to read new story weekly.
Right now, I tend to read something that I can benefit from, as my imagination is, in my opinion, way too developed. I’m into art and psychology books, or books considering everyday life and their events.
1. I am not familiar with H.P. Lovecraft’s universe so I can't write my opinion on his stories and their overall tone.

2. In my opinion, a movie screen, where all cinematic tricks are thrown at you, videogames, where on top of movie tricks you are in control of a character, therefore increasing immersion, or a book page, where it’s only a writer’s word, you and your imagination, face to face - all these platform are very good to scaring someone. I wouldn't choose the best.

3. I really like horror movies, but more so logical. Related to ghosts or demons. I don't like jumpscares. I like horrors about zombies and other monsters.
Kuba Berliński said…

1. No, im not, so I do not have opinion on his stories really. However, from what I know he created cuthulu which is quite well know as well as there are many games based on his prose. Have that combined his art must be pretty decent.

2. I think movies and videogames are best ways to scare someone. You can be scaried in many ways there. Both of them may scare from a atmospehere they've built as well as jumpscares, sounds. Literally everything can be achieved in that matter through those medias.

3. I enjoy horrors as a genre. I watched a lot of movies and played a few games. I find it quite funny to be scared. However, there were times where the horror was too good and it scared be a little bit too much, there needs to be some kind of balance :).
Olha Romaniuk said…
1. Not familiar. But I already wanted to read it.
2. For me, the worst is a horror movie. Sharp movements, loud sounds, and especially these stories with mirrors. Ew...
3 I don't mind tickling my nerves by reading scary stories, because my brain will "miss" all the terrible moments. And if we're talking about movies, I like comedies, adventures, action movies.
Roman Batyuk said…
I am not a big fan of Lovecraft but I have played some video games based on his stories. His myths are pretty interesting and mysterious.
In my opinion video game is the best way to scare someone, especially when creators know how to scare players. In films and books, they cannot fully control your behavior. For example, the developers of a game cannot give you opportunity to fight against zombies and the only things you can do is to run and hide or they can build such an atmosphere that you play without any problems but at one point you to lose all of your weapons and you need to survive without them. My favorite horror titles are 'Dead Space' and 'Silent Hill'. I think making a good horror game is more complicated than a horror film.
1) Are you familiar with H.P. Lovecraft’s universe? What is your opinion on his stories and their overall tone?
I’m not familiar with H.P. Lovecraft’s universe
2) In your opinion, what is the best platform for scaring someone — a movie screen, where all cinematic tricks are thrown at you, videogames, where on top of movie tricks you are in control of a character, therefore increasing immersion, or a book page, where it’s only a writer’s word, you and your imagination, face to face?
There is no best platform for scaring someone every one of them have they own good points. If you’re looking for something quick it’s better to choose movie in 2 hour if you choose wisely you can have as much fear as you want, if you choose games you have days after days of fear with additional excitement and interaction with game word and books with your imagination that always know what you fear the most and help keep you in suspense. But in the end, it’s all depended on writer/director and how good story is.
3) What do you think of the whole horror genre? Do you like it? If not, what genres do you prefer?
I don’t like horror genre I prefer comedy, fantasy and actions best if they are in one movie/game/book
Kyrylo said…
1) Are you familiar with H.P. Lovecraft’s universe? What is your opinion on his stories and their overall tone?
I am, however, not a big fan of the books, but rather the pop culture descendants of it -- art, fan fisc, games.
2) In your opinion, what is the best platform for scaring someone — a movie screen, where all cinematic tricks are thrown at you, videogames, where on top of movie tricks you are in control of a character, therefore increasing immersion, or a book page, where it’s only a writer’s word, you and your imagination, face to face?
Reality, probably, The closest point to experiencing things in reality are movies and games.
3) What do you think of the whole horror genre? Do you like it? If not, what genres do you prefer?
I enjoy horror genre. I played a lot of games in it, and in my opinion, this is one of the immortal genres.
I always heard a lot about Lovecraftian universe but have only read one of his set of stories. And I think they are amazing. For me, he is one of the most influential writers. So many things are inspired by his work. And his stories are thrilling to read.
I think the best platform for horrors are video games. And reason behind this is that actions there are only up to you so the immersion is much higher than watching a movie or reading a book.
I like the horror genre but games are too much for me though they usually aren't that scary.
Yes, I read one novel “The Call of Cthulhu”. I’m not aware of his others stories, but only one that I read I like. In my opinion the video games with good sound effects the best platform for scaring someone, because this is about me, nothing other scares me like video games. I’m neutral to horror genre, I read few novels and all of them I liked. I’m not interesting in horror movies, there are no fun for me. Same for games in this genre.
1. While I hadn't read any of his books, I've read a lot about the universe he created and entities living in it. I find it really interesting and fascinating, many films, board and video games were inspired by his books and multiple of them achieved success, for example PS4 game Bloodborne which was hugely inspired by his work.

2. In my opinion right now one of the best platforms for scaring someone are video games. They connect music, story telling and cinematography into one package that additionaly forces receiver to interact with it. Reaction is even better if user ir deeply invested in story. I remember when I played Outlast for the 1st time, there were moments where I was completely terrified and had to take long breaks between sessions. It would me my super stressed and excited at the same time, which is I believe why we watch or read horror stories.

3. I really like horror genre, but sadly if it comes to the films they are very poorly made and not as scary as some classics. I've always preferred psychological horrors, gore never scared me and "jump scares" are very cheap tricks to scare receiver. What moves me the most is the fear of the unknown when we don't know what exactly is hunting us and what are its intentions.
Oh yeah, when talking about video games I completely forgot about the VR technlogy - it must be tremendously scary. I've only watched some live streams where a person would play these kinds of games in VR - usually it all ends earlier then expected because a streamer can't handle it and just wants to finish with it.
You should really read it, his stories are mostly short but powerful. And yes, you're right - mirrors are bad but shadow silhouettes in the dark passages are way worse for me. And if the silhouette disappears when you turn on the light – well, I’m outta here :)
Pawel Bluszcz said…
1. I have never heard of this author and his universe. However, after this short film it seems that it presents a completely different flow compared to existing horror movies/books/and so on.
2. I think it's easiest to frighten the recipient through games. Due to the extensive worlds and programmability of various monsters in the game, we can always lead to different scenarios. According to this, we are not able to predict what will happen and in this way we can always scare in another way.
3. I do not like horror genre. Making someone afraid is incomprehensible to me. For what? Entertainment that makes me afraid? This is a bit ridiculous to me.
Mateusz Szych said…
1. I've heard about him but I don't know him.

2. I think videogames are the best for it, especially VR.

3. I don't like horror genre. I prefer fantasy, sci-fi and similar.
Adam Tokarczyk said…
1, 2 & 3. Horror is one of my favorite genre whether it's about movies, books or films. Not knowing Lovecraftian subgenre would be probably weird in such position :). Overall I don't read too many books, so I'm not overly familiar with H.P. Lovecraft work. What I can say about him, is that he went in perfect direction with his stories. I really like how he pushed in psychological approach. It's what I miss in modern entertainment industry. I don't know how it looks when it comes to books, because like I said, I don't read many of them, but both games and movies are pathetic. They focus on jumpscares, which aren't even scary thing, but work on your mind in a span of short moment and disappear. Good horror should leave you terrified for long time not make you flinch and forget.

2. It's hard to decide. Whether we read, watch or play something we're aware that it's just fiction. To make it worse, we usually do it in some cozy place. It's hard to be scared by such kinds of media. Books may have upper hand, because they can tell a story about 'unknown things' and people are often afraid of things they don't know. But it's still just a book. Something that was written by a person. Same thing applies to its competitors to lesser or bigger degree. Nothing can be as scary as reality. Even the same story on paper or screen will both fade in face of including 3rd person that tells it as a 'real story'.

3. Nowadays horror genre is pathetic, but I still like it a lot. Aside from this, I really like psychological and drama genre. A bit behind them would be historical genre.

On a side note, I'm really surprised how Lovecraft life ended. I'd expect him to be more well known, even if poor (I doubt you could earn a lot of writing in the past). I'm happy that he's at least popular nowadays, because I really like tabletop games in such themes. I'm even going to play Call of Cthulhu RPG session soon.
1. Honestly, I have never heard of this. I’m not very big fan of horror. I think such genres are invented by people with a broken psyche or with some kind of phobias and fears.
2.As I mentioned earlier, I am not a fan of this category. However, I think the most ideal place to feel the real horror of what is happening is this video game. Personally, I fell for the tricks of developers who came up with creative methods to effectively scare the player. And it came out horrific in turn!
3. I can say that I am categorically against the horror genre. Since I noticed that almost the entire genre of horror films does not make sense, except to leave an unpleasant impression on you. For me it is tantamount to looking at something very nasty and repulsive. I prefer comedies, detectives sometimes watch science fiction
Alex said…
I have no opinion about Lovecraft and his work because it is the first time I hear about him
I think the best way to feel the horror atmosphere is waching a movie or reading alone at night, but with something thar really leaves you wondering if there is something more in the night.
I do like hooror genre but nowadays there isn't a really good horror movie made. I also like thrillers and fantasy movies.
Vitalii Ohol said…

1. I am familiar with the Lovecraft universe. I didn't read so many stories, but everything that I read was amazing.

2. I think only horror video games could be terrifying. When watching movies or reading you think about the main character and what is happening to them. But when you play horror games you associate the main character with yourself. For example, when I watch horror movies I think “he/she made a huge mistake when hid in this room”, but in video games I think “I made a huge mistake when hid in this room”. It's all about perception. Perceiving

3. Horror genre are interesting with huge room for new ideas and scary realizations. Of course I like it.
Bartosz Warda said…

1. The only thing that I've heard about H.P. Lovecraft's work is usage of his content in one of the Blizard's games - World of Warcraft. Thus I am not too familiar with his universe because I am not a fan of horror genre, where one of the points in watching it is causing terror in watcher's mind.

2. In my opinion, it depends on the person we would like to scare. That is to say, most audience will be more scared in front of the scary movie or a videogame, where authors are really accurate with their imaginations, because they show the content for the watcher on the screen. They can predict how the audience could react. In case of books, people are shut in their own imaginations which for some of them could cause more dread in their minds.

3. I've got to admit that when it comes to watching any horror movie I am a bit sceptical at first. Its not the genre that I adore. I prefer genres that make me feel different than being scared. To be precise I like to watch some comedies or adventure films.
Unfortunately, I have never read any of H.P. Lovecraft’s books. But I heard a lot about his writing, and it was always in superlatives. I was always very curious, but I never had time to ready any of his work. Though I will read it some day for sure because I love thrillers and horrors. I always loved watching horror movies and I was never really scared of them so I would say that this is not the best way to scare someone. Books are really good in scaring people in my opinion because there are no limits in human imagination so if someone is mentally not that strong it could be good way to do it. To be honest I always was very susceptible to playing horror games, in fact I always wanted to play them but mostly I was unable because I was really scared of jump scares. Of course, the best way is to scare people in real life, these are real emotions and definitely the strongest ones. In general, I love horror genre and I hope more cool horror stories like Lovecraft’s will be developed.
1. No, I haven't heard about it, but it looks really cool and spooky. Maybe someday I will spend more time to get know better this universe.
2. I always prefer good videogame - the possibility of becoming one with a hero, controling him and looking from his perspective - this builds a horror climate. Of course depend of the story too. Recently I played game called S.O.M.A. - game where you won't experience jumpscares etc. Just story, horror climate and constant feeling that something could happen.
3. I like horrors. I like this feeling, adrenaline, a sense of fear where you don't know what gonna happen next. But everything depends how this horror was created. Climate >> jumpscares
1. No, I am not familiar with H. P. Lovecraft's universe, as I have not heard of this author before.

2. I think the best way is a video game. Especially virtual reality games. What could be worse than to be transported to the world of horrors and walk in it as in the real world?

3. Yes, I like the horror genre, especially horror movies. I used to watch them more often than I do now, but they still interest me. But it's always been a problem for me to find a really good horror movie to watch.
dominik.samsel said…
1. Yes, I am. I have collection of H.P. novels. I heave read several of them. I really like his stories as they are really unpredictable and strange. They leaves you with unanswered questions and feeling of wondering. Lovecraft had a really amazing way of describing places and characters that struck you with ominous atmosphere and feeling of terror.
2.I think that platform doesn't matter as much as quality of the horror. Also different people can be scared by different things. One person can feel terrified by reading gory description in a book another one by jumpscare on a big screen in a movie theatre.
3.I don't like horror movies but can read horror books. I like atmosphere that I get while reading but loud noises and scary images in films push me away. I prefer crime novels. Aghata Cristie is one of my favourite authors. I adore mystery left to solve for a reader. You have to connect facts and think deeply in order to solve it.
1. I don't know much about the Lovecraft's universe itself, the only thing that caught my eye is Cthulhu. I have never been particularly interested in his works, but I would love to (if I had more free time). Lovecraft's work revolves around fantasy and horror themes, which is why I think I would be interested in it.

2. I think that a person is most afraid when all stimuli affect him at the same time and he is able to personally experience this terrible feeling of uncertainty. In this case, I mean computer games, preferably with the use of VR technology. When a person (player) moves the character himself and has influence on where he looks, what he will do, what he experiences, then the psyche begins to act and at times it can be really unpleasant.

3. Horror genre is okay but I don't really like it. I like fantasy genre, sci-fi and adventure much more. Of course, these genres may also contain parts of the horror genre, then it's even better because the recipient feels some discomfort. However, not the sense of fear is the most important to me, but the well-developed plot, colorful and well-developed heroes, interesting stories and beautiful landscapes.
1. I haven't heard anything about hp lovecraft and haven't read any of his work. After watching the material, I think that the books of this author can be very interesting and intriguing.

2. If I had to choose, I think that movies are a better platform to scare. The books are great to train and trigger our imagination, but a well-made horror film, using the latest technology can frighten more than one brave viewe.

3. Personally, I'm not quite a fan of horror movies. I watched more than one movie of this type, but I definitely prefer detective stories, documentaries and even sifi movies.
Maciej Szczypek said…
1)I am not familiar with H.P. Lovecraft’s universe, I have never read any of his books although I heard a lot of songs which were inspired by that author. One of them is Metallica’s “The Call of Ktulu” which illustrates “Zew Cthulu” – famous story of Lovecraft. I think his stories and their tone are unique and original. He inspired and affected word of literature.
2)In my opinion the best platform for scaring someone are movies, we cannot always predict what is going to happen on a screen. Therefore, when the tension and excitement is increasing, movie makers tend to choose such a music and melodies in the background of a scenes which makes us even more terrified.
3)I really like horror genre; I think everyone needs some thrill of emotions from time to time. However there are lots of people who don’t understand the idea and history of horrors, so that they associate the with low budget productions which have nothing to do with real horror genre

Roman Dubovyi said…
1. I am not, I know that his best is “the call of Cthulhu”, but I never started reading it.
2. Movies are the best. For games - it’s only jump scares. For books - I don’t even know how to get scared by reading a book... But in movie there is a best chance to build up a pressure even if nothing scary is happening on screen even by music. And there are a lot of possibilities if you are a good director.
1. I don't know much about his universe, I don't have much knowledge about it, because I'm not a fan of the horror genre, in which one of its points of view causes terror in the mind of the observer. I avoid books and horror movies. I prefer to watch a comedy.

2. It depends on the person you would like to scare. Most viewers will be more frightened before a scary movie or video game in which the authors are really accurate in their imagination because they show the content of the observer on the screen. They can predict how the audience will react. In the case of books, people are confined in their own imagination, which for some of them can cause more fear in their minds. Also, someone may not understand the book enough or stop reading the book at this point.

3. I don't like horror movies. I am very scared. Later I still dream about it or still see it. That's why I avoid this genre of film or books. I prefer a comedy or biography. Biography can also be frightening, but it causes compassion rather than fear.
1. I like Lovecraft's immersion very much and I to look to one’s novels. I usually play board games that are based
about this universe, e.g. Horror in Arkham or Eldricht Horror (I recommend it!)

2. I think that computer games are the best platform to scare :). Such a game as Amnesia can build tension and the player is afraid to look anywhere. Personally, books have never terrified me, I was a little scared at the movies.

3. I like horror generation the most, whether in games or books

Popular posts from this blog

Week 11 [03-09.06.2019] The problem with ecological cars emission in UK

The problem with ecological cars emission in UK Since the adoption of the European Emission Allowance Directive in the European Parliament, all car makers have tried to submit. Since 1992, the Euro I standard has been in force, which limited the emission of carbon monoxide to the atmosphere. The Euro VI standard currently applies, which limits the series of exhaust gases. These include: hydrocarbons, nitrogen and carbon oxides, and dust.   The most significant change was brought by the Euro IV standard. For the first time it introduced the limitation of nitrogen oxides, which are responsible for the harmful compounds of smog.   What is smog?   Smog consists of sulfur oxides, nitrogen and carbon. In addition, solid substances such as suspended dust (PM). Dust suspend in atmospheric aerosols may be in liquid and solid form. These can be particles of sea salt, clouds from the Sahara and artificial compounds made by people. These compounds often come fr

Week 12 (12.01-18.01.15) Are you an early bird or a night owl ?

Owls are nocturnal creatures. They’re wide awake at night and they sleep during the day. If this sounds like bliss to you, then, like about 20 percent of the population who find themselves most active at around 9 pm, you may fall into the same category as our feathered friend. Night owls often have difficulty waking up in the morning, and like to be up late at night.  Studies of animal behaviour indicate that being a night owl may actually be built into some people’s genes. This would explain why those late-to-bed, late-to-rise people find it so difficult to change their behaviour. The trouble for night owls is that they just have to be at places such as work and school far too early. This is when the alarm clock becomes the night owl’s most important survival tool. Experts say that one way for a night owl to beat their dependence on their alarm clocks is to sleep with the curtains open. The Theory is that if they do so, the morning sunlight will awaken them gently and naturally.

Week 4 [06-12.11.2017] This is what happens when you reply to spam email.

James Veitch is a British comedian. In today’s Ted Talk James with characteristic for himself a sense of humor shows how he deals with spam emails and why responding to junk messages may be sometimes dangerous. Questions: What do you think about James’s  way of dealing with spam? Why are junk messages legal, even though it sometimes may be a fraud? Dou you have a problem with spam? How do you deal with with it?