Delving into the Cinematic Roots of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard marked a dramatic departure for the venerable horror franchise, swapping third-person action for a claustrophobic first-person perspective and embracing a slower, more deliberate pace. While drawing inspiration from classic Resident Evil lore, its distinct tone and setting owe a considerable debt to a collection of horror films. The most prominent cinematic influences include The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), The Evil Dead (1981), The Hills Have Eyes (1977), and to a lesser extent, Deliverance (1972) and REC (2007). These films informed not only the game’s atmosphere of isolation and familial horror but also specific plot points, character archetypes, and visual motifs.
The Baker Family’s Bloody Blueprint
The most obvious influence is The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. The Baker family, with their grotesque appearance and cannibalistic tendencies, are a clear homage to the Sawyer clan. The dilapidated mansion, filled with decaying furniture, unsettling decorations, and horrifying secrets, echoes the Sawyer’s equally disturbing residence. The dinner scene where Ethan Winters is forced to eat a repugnant meal mirrors similar scenes in Tobe Hooper’s classic, intensifying the sense of helplessness and dread.
The Evil Dead provides another significant source of inspiration. The isolated location of the Baker house, surrounded by swampland, evokes the remote cabin in Sam Raimi’s cult classic. The possession elements affecting Marguerite and Jack Baker, transforming them into monstrous entities, draw parallels to the demonic transformations seen in The Evil Dead. Furthermore, the emphasis on gruesome practical effects, a hallmark of both The Evil Dead and Resident Evil 7, contributes to the game’s visceral and unsettling atmosphere. The grotesque transformations and body horror are definitely a hallmark of both.
The Hills Have Eyes, with its themes of inbred, mutated family preying on unsuspecting travelers, also resonates with Resident Evil 7’s narrative. While the Bakers are not explicitly mutated in the same way as the antagonists of Wes Craven’s film, their twisted moral compass and savage behavior reflect the primal horror at the heart of The Hills Have Eyes. The game shares a similar feeling of vulnerability and helplessness against a seemingly unstoppable force.
Less Direct, but Still Present: Deliverance and REC
While not as overtly influential as the aforementioned films, Deliverance contributes to the overall sense of unease and isolation in Resident Evil 7. The game’s setting in rural Louisiana, far removed from civilization, creates a feeling of being cut off from the world, similar to the sense of isolation experienced by the characters in Deliverance. The underlying tension and potential for violence lurking beneath the surface are palpable in both works.
Finally, the found-footage horror film REC arguably had a minor influence on the game’s overall presentation. While Resident Evil 7 isn’t a found-footage game, the first-person perspective creates a sense of immediacy and vulnerability similar to the feeling one gets while watching REC. The claustrophobic environments and the constant threat of the unknown contribute to a similar sense of escalating tension and panic.
Resident Evil 7 expertly blended these cinematic inspirations with its own unique brand of survival horror, creating a terrifying and memorable experience that revitalized the franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Resident Evil 7’s Movie Influences
H2 FAQs
H3 What is the most prominent movie influence on Resident Evil 7?
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is undoubtedly the most prominent influence. The Baker family and their dilapidated mansion are clear homages to the Sawyer clan and their horrifying residence.
H3 How did The Evil Dead influence the game’s monster design?
The grotesque transformations and body horror seen in Marguerite and Jack Baker’s mutations draw heavily from The Evil Dead’s demonic transformations. The emphasis on practical effects also contributed to the game’s visceral atmosphere.
H3 Did Resident Evil 7 borrow plot points directly from any of these movies?
While not direct copies, the game certainly borrows thematic elements and specific scenarios. The dinner scene in Resident Evil 7 mirrors similar scenes in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and the isolated setting echoes both The Evil Dead and Deliverance.
H3 Was the first-person perspective inspired by any particular horror film?
While REC isn’t a direct inspiration for the first-person perspective, it contributes to the game’s overall presentation. The found-footage style creates a sense of immediacy and vulnerability similar to the feeling one gets while watching REC.
H3 How did Resident Evil 7 revitalize the franchise?
By embracing a first-person perspective, emphasizing survival horror over action, and drawing inspiration from classic horror films, Resident Evil 7 breathed new life into the series.
H3 Are there any other, less obvious, movie influences on the game?
Some argue that films like Misery (1990), with its themes of forced captivity and psychological torment, may have subtly influenced the game.
H3 Did Resident Evil 7 take inspiration from Japanese horror films?
While Western horror films are more apparent, subtle influences from Japanese horror (J-Horror), with its focus on psychological dread and unsettling imagery, may also be present.
H3 How important is the Louisiana setting to the game’s horror?
The Louisiana setting is crucial. It provides a sense of isolation and remoteness, contributing to the game’s overall atmosphere of dread and vulnerability.
H3 Did other Resident Evil games borrow inspiration from these movies?
Yes, many Resident Evil games draw inspiration from horror films. The original Resident Evil, for example, was heavily influenced by George A. Romero’s zombie films.
H3 What makes Resident Evil 7’s horror so effective?
The game’s effectiveness stems from its combination of claustrophobic environments, grotesque visuals, and a deliberate pace that builds tension and suspense. The use of sound design also plays a crucial role.
H3 Is Resident Evil 7 considered a “found footage” game?
No, Resident Evil 7 is not a found-footage game. However, the first-person perspective creates a similar sense of immediacy and vulnerability.
H3 How does the Baker family differ from the villains in other Resident Evil games?
The Baker family represents a more grounded and realistic type of horror compared to the bio-engineered monsters and corporate conspiracies seen in other Resident Evil games.
H3 What role does the theme of family play in Resident Evil 7?
The theme of family is central to Resident Evil 7. The twisted dynamics of the Baker family and Ethan’s determination to rescue his wife, Mia, drive the narrative and contribute to the game’s emotional impact.
H3 Where can I learn more about the intersection of games and learning?
You can explore the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to discover research and resources about how games can be used for educational purposes. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more.
H3 Does Resident Evil Village share similar movie inspirations with Resident Evil 7?
While Resident Evil Village retains some of the familial horror themes, it draws inspiration from different sources, including Hammer Horror films, gothic horror, and folklore. It expands the scope of horror, moving away from the grounded terror of Resident Evil 7 towards a more fantastical and supernatural realm.