Randy Mootooveran
Sci fi, Fantasy, Horror Lit
February 2, 2018

Simple but Effective Horror in Marble Hornets

I've experienced horror in many forms: movies, books, games, personal experiences, etc. Some stories I prefer over others (I think a horror story that can stand on its own as a good story goes far beyond any grotesque monstrosity or jump scare ever could), but above all else, I love a good mystery. And despite a few technical and acting issues, Marble Hornets video series on YouTube delivers a compelling mystery very well. What makes it stand above other found footage style horror movies, Marble Hornets doesn't waste its time trying to develop the two main characters because all the effort is clearly put towards showing disturbing imagery of the otherworldly specter referred to as "the Operator." It's strange to admit, but the truth is that the entire series isn't great when you look at it from a writing perspective. No, instead the videos puts the horror surrounding the characters into sharper focus. Essentially, they serve as the audiences viewpoint for the apparations, distorted white noise,  and the disappearances of other characters. It could be seen as cheap shock horror, but things are generally built up through the course of each video like a good mystery. Even though the audience knows the answer to each question is some variation of the Operator is lurking in the shadows causing it, it's always something different that expands our curiosity surrounding the Operator and raises its menace when what it can do is displayed. Another interesting aspect about these videos is that there's a sub series supposedly run by an underling of the Operator. In these videos, all human characters are completely dispensed with and they consist of long shots of something peeking through the woods watching people as they pass by, something moving through a house at night, or just long takes of random images being ripped apart by strange tentacles while a droning horn plays in the background. It is weird and unnerving, which is probably the best way to sum up Marble Hornets. It burrows elements from the original Halloween and Alien with the feeling of being stalked by a malevolent presence that watches your every move. It serves as something that can remind people how unfathomable horrors can live in the same neighborhood.