Why I Scare

by Lexter Victorio
(Philippines)

Generally, I'm not a frightful person. I jump at shocking scenes (like in the white face flashes in The Exorcist) and shout when it's worth it (when the wounded cop turned out to be Hannibal Lechter wearing someone's face), but there are few things in this world that terrify me to the core.

That's why I would rather share the horror with my friends and complete strangers. I take much of my inspiration form certain horror films to create personal characters that I dress up as during Halloween or the occasional costume party.

Being a huge fan of theater, I realize that people are most vulnerable and honest when they are either angered or afraid; Heath Ledger's Joker was certainly right when he said all it takes to drive the world insane was 'a little push'. That is what happens whenever I go out for a little stroll in the poorly lit roads to accost the unwary.

When Halloween or a party is coming, I take several of my horror collections and pass over my favorite scenes, generating a set of 'masques' that I wear throughout the day. From the film Silent Hill (2006), I take on the amazing movement of the nurses, twirling in a danse macabre.

In a zombie movie (particularly the Romero and Gallo archetypes), I take on their hungered moans to unnerve those who are curious enough to come closer, making a fake (but convincing) swipe at their faces.

Perhaps this coming November, I shall take on a combination of Pinhead from Hellraiser and Nemesis from Resident Evil? For now, I leave with this parting statement: 'I think, therefore, I scare.'