[Feature] Flashing Lights: Overused Horror Cliché or Crucial Film Element?

Picture this, you’ve just arrived at the movie theater with your friends for the newest horror release of the season. You’re sporting a fandom T-shirt with an obscure reference only “true fans” would understand and choke-holding a large tub of popcorn under one arm and a cherry ICEE in your hand. You confidently strut toward the ticket usher, handing them your stub as they point you toward the theater. You’ve waited over a year for the thrilling conclusion to your favorite series and cannot wait to see what is going to happen.

Halfway through the previews, you’re already wrist-deep into your popcorn and about a quarter through your ICEE. With an enthusiastic uproar of fellow horror fans, the film finally begins, and you’re so happy you could just about cry.

About fifteen minutes in, the main character enters an abandoned warehouse that’s been transformed into an underground club scene. The cinematographer catches the visual masterpiece in the collection of break dancing, electronic music, neon everything, and of course...strobe lights. You, an avid fan of the series, understand that this could be a pivotal plot point you just can’t miss. However, you also know your photosensitive epilepsy could be triggered and the smart thing to do would be to step out until the scene is over.

You stand up, a bit embarrassed, but your friends understand, and you head out to the theater lobby to refill some popcorn. The concessions clerk empathizes with some story about how his dog also has epilepsy and can’t sit in front of the television for extended periods of time. You laugh awkwardly, thank them for the refill, and make your way back into the theater knowing you’ve potentially missed the turning point of the film.

Recently, theaters have begun displaying photosensitive warnings for viewers who have photosensitive epilepsy or those with other photo sensitivities. For some, this is something they may have to consider every time they go see a film, or maybe even just to go to the grocery store. For you, a neuro-typical, you might be asking yourself, “how often does this actually happen?” and, “why would they even go to the movies?”

According to the Epilepsy Society, there are around 60 million people in the world who have epilepsy. Among that significant figure, up to 3% of that 60 million are directly affected by flashing lights, moving patterns, or bold negatives. Photosensitive epilepsy is more common in children and teenagers with rare cases trickling into individuals in their early twenties and beyond. Contrary to most media portrayals, there are over 40 types of seizures and not all of them include convulsions, shaking, and unconsciousness. Every individual living with epilepsy could have different triggers that cause a seizure, and also cause different types of seizures. Most common triggers include: sleep deprivation, alcohol, stimulants, and not taking prescribed medication.

The Epilepsy Foundation recommends those with photo sensitivities to watch movies and television:

●      In well-lit areas that reduce the contrast on the light in the room from the light on the screen.
●      If possible, with reduced brightness of the screen.
●      Seated as far away from the screen as possible.
●      Wearing polarized sunglasses to reduce the glare of potentially triggering cinematic events.

As one of those individuals, and an avid horror fan, you may find it surprising that I’m not fully against flashing lights in horror films. I believe flashing lights could play an important role when it comes to setting a scene in terms of raising tension or placing characters at risk. The most recent interaction I’ve had with this issue was from the highly anticipated release of IT: Chapter Two. If you happen to be reading this article, I’m sure you were just as excited as I was to see this film in all its cinematic glory. Occasionally, I’ll tweet before heading to a film that I’ve purchased a ticket for and I have friends reach out giving me a photosensitivity warning (I’m forever grateful, thank you all.)

As my friend mentioned to me, “they [theaters] tell you there’s going to be something but not when.” That’s what scares me more than any film. With false confidence and a snarky, “knowing I might piss myself but not knowing when just adds to the suspense” reply, I of course was a bit weary entering the theater. As I always am. Situated closer to the edge of the aisle, I was able to exit as needed during the funhouse scene and the final battle. This did not take away from my viewing experience because I was well prepared with when this may occur and within the company of friends who are knowledgeable of my disability. However, some films display flashing lights that don’t set a scene, add to the story, or motivate the characters. This is, to me, a lapse in creativity and direction that takes away from the overall viewing experience and quality of the film.

Other recent horror movies that used similar flashing lights include A Quiet Place, Annabelle: Creation, Brightburn, Lights Out, and Mandy. The intensity of the strobe effect may not have been as high as in IT: Chapter Two, but remember that each individual can be triggered in different ways. More recently, television and movie producers have been approached with guidelines that outline specific frequencies and intensities that are more likely to affect their viewers. The ‘Harding test’ can be used to determine if content may not be suitable for viewers with photo sensitivities.

If you’re interested in learning more about my epilepsy: Formerly Known As Petit Mal

If you’re interesting in horror with a photosensitive character: All My Friends Are Freaks: Part Two