Sometimes, the
reasons for why movies scare us are not so complicated and tied up with our
unconscious. Sometimes, it’s right out in the open, a “Duh!” moment for
everyone to pick up on. One of our most deeply held convictions is the idea
that we’re at the top of the food chain in every respect. Granted, there’s not
much we can say about shark attacks, and other run-ins with wild animals,
because usually, it’s our fault, right?
What’s worse is when trusted
domesticated animals turn on us. That’s a betrayal that cuts at the heart, as
well as the throat. But let’s face it; when animals attack, it’s always a
reminder that we’re not the kings of the world. We’re not in control of things,
and you know, we never were. In fact, under the right circumstances, we’re
nothing more than food...
This is where you cue the music for
one of the many Bert I. Gordon giant insect films from the 1950s, or worse, one
of the many “they used to be furry and cuddly, but now they are giant and
horrible” movies from the 1970s. To call them formulaic B-movies is overstating
the obvious. And while it’s tempting to load this category up with Giant Mutant
Animals or Giant Mutant Insects, we’re going to shuffle those off to separate
categories and focus on normal-sized animals that lose it for one reason or
another, domestic or otherwise. It’s a much harder category to fill out, but
the movies are better.
