Lecture Notes: Finding Nemo as a Horror Movie

Introduction

• Finding Nemo is perceived as a children's film, but it has elements that classify it as a horror movie.
• The ocean is depicted as a dangerous and terrifying place.
• James Cameron is humorously advised to stay on the surface of the ocean due to its terrors.
• Hollywood often portrays the ocean as friendly in movies, but this talk argues that Finding Nemo shows its real horror.

Horror Elements in Finding Nemo

• Three Types of Horror in the Movie:
  1. Jump scares
  2. Dread
  3. Slow Burn
• The ocean's vastness and unknown elements are utilized to create horror.

Part 1: Jump Scare

• Opening Scene: Marlin's wife and eggs are killed by a barracuda, a terrifying start for a children's movie.
• Character Design: Bruce the shark is terrifying despite being friendly.
• Animation: The fluidity and intensity of fish movements contribute to the tension.
• Anglerfish Scene: A literal jump scare with a horrifying creature in a dark abyss.

Part 2: Dread

• Ominous Tone: The ocean's vast emptiness creates a foreboding atmosphere.
• Set Pieces: The minefield and trench add to the tension.
• Ocean's Danger: The vastness makes characters vulnerable to hidden threats, creating tension similar to childhood fears of the dark.

Part 3: Slow Burn

• Jellyfish Scene: Marlin and Dory are surrounded by jellyfish, highlighting the danger of being in a wide-open space.
• Whale Encounter: The approach of a whale is slow and terrifying, blending beauty with fear.
• Music and Sound: The film's score keeps the tension consistent, mixing excitement with impending danger.
• Final Escape: The jellyfish scene becomes increasingly chaotic and dangerous.

Conclusion

• Finding Nemo effectively uses the ocean's setting to create horror elements.
• The film is memorable because it captures the ocean's true nature: both beautiful and frightening.
• Final Thoughts: The speaker finds the film structure and tone similar to horror movies, contributing to its lasting impact.

Closing Remarks

• The speaker apologizes for the lack of recent content due to illness.
• Encourages viewers to like, share, and subscribe for more content on movies, games, and shows.