The Horror Newspaper Revelation Scene

There's a standard scene, particularly in a certain kind of horror movie, where the Protagonist or another character finds a room, or a book, full of newspaper clippings. The villain of the movie has clipped out a scrapbook or wall filled with a record of their evil doings.

It's an effective visual and story technique to reveal…or prove…the extent of the villain's monstrous history.

It's one of a series of things that may need an overhaul in modern horror movies, as technology changes. At least the crimes are often from years past, so newpapers will still be make sense for this scene. But eventually newspapers may disappear completely. Maybe not - I suppose we'll have to wait and see.
Will the future Protagonist Detective go into a creepy cabin and find a folder on the murderous hillbilly's laptop? This is already done is thrillers, but might be less suited to a backwoods slasher flick…

This scene - as effective as it can be - is also kind of a cliche. I mean, how many killers are dedicated scrap-bookers and record-keepers? They can't ALL have that kind of hobby.

Or maybe I'm wrong.

In certain scenes in certain kinds of stories, the logic doesn't matter nearly as much as the emotional impact.

I do think variations on this approach are needed.

The scapbook in "Misery", the wall-clippings in "Tucker and Dale vs. Evil" are two that come to mind. I know this scene is one of those that have been done over and over and over.

If I become a mass murderer, I may have to take up scrap-booking, I suppose. It's a whole additional hobby to add to the stalking, tormenting and murdering, though.

There are only so many hours in the day!

See you next time!

-Banes