On the Orientalism and Imperial Gaze of Western Horror Films

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-15T18:05:29.867Z • Permanent link

Renowned horror film director Dario Argento is often credited with helping to popularize the Italian horror genre, which in turn influenced Western horror films. Argento's films, such as Deep Red and Suspiria, often featured graphic violence and gore, but also explored themes of the irrational and the unknown. These elements have become staples of Western horror, with many films drawing on similar themes and motifs.

Despite the influence of Italian horror, Western horror films have also been criticized for their portrayal of non-Western cultures and societies. Films such as The Exorcist and Rosemary's Baby feature demonic possession and witchcraft, which are often rooted in Western folklore and mythology. This has led some critics to argue that Western horror films perpetuate a form of Orientalism, in which Western cultures and societies are depicted as exotic and mysterious, while non-Western cultures are portrayed as barbaric and primitive.

In recent years, this trend has been perpetuated by films such as The Conjuring and It Follows, which draw on Western folklore and mythology to create a sense of fear and unease. However, some critics have argued that these films also perpetuate a form of imperial gaze, in which Western cultures and societies are depicted as dominant and powerful, while non-Western cultures are portrayed as subordinate and inferior.

The impact of these films on Western popular culture cannot be overstated. Many research communities, including those focused on film studies and cultural anthropology, have been quick to analyze and critique these films for their portrayal of non-Western cultures. Companies such as Netflix and Hulu have also been forced to confront the issue, as they seek to expand their offerings to include more diverse and representative content.

For example, the success of films such as Crazy Rich Asians and The Farewell has highlighted the need for greater diversity and representation in Western popular culture. These films, which feature predominantly Asian casts and crews, have been praised for their nuanced and accurate portrayals of non-Western cultures. However, they have also been criticized for perpetuating a form of Orientalism, in which Asian cultures are depicted as exotic and mysterious, while Western cultures are portrayed as dominant and powerful.

The issue of Orientalism and imperial gaze in Western horror films is part of a larger pattern of cultural and historical critique. The concept of Orientalism, which was first coined by Edward Said, refers to the way in which Western cultures have historically perceived and represented non-Western cultures. This has often involved depicting non-Western cultures as exotic and mysterious, while also reinforcing Western dominance and power.