Ohio University is nestled in the rolling hills of the Appalachian mountains, a gorgeous region often used as the backdrop for horror movies. Although many films play into the “hillbilly horror” stereotype, some stand out among the rest as both good and bad representations of the region.
In film, Appalachian residents are often portrayed as violent, lazy, uneducated and even incestuous. These stereotypes come from a long history of media exploitation and over-characterization and have persisted in a modern culture. A lack of outside understanding and the region’s relative isolation strengthens these portrayals.
Becoming “othered” is a phenomenon occurring when people attempt to separate themselves from a group. Historian Ronald D. Eller wrote Appalachia’s “othering” may have been caused by a desire “to distance ourselves from the uncomfortable dilemmas that the story of Appalachia raises about our own lives and about the larger society.”
Appalachia is wrought with social and economic struggle, traits that have long defined the region. A lack of outside access contributes to this region's severe underdevelopment. In fact, the region and its residents have historically been seen as separated from the rest of the U.S.
As a result of this “othering” and the region’s isolation from the rest of the country, stereotypes of its residents have grown unrestrained in power and popularity in mainstream culture. Genres such as “hillbilly horror” have long been present at the box office, and movies focused on “Appalachia atrocity” earn millions.
“Hillbilly horror” is a subgenre rooted in the stereotypical ideas of the Appalachian region and its residents. These movies typically take place in an isolated, rural area of the American South. The plot usually boils down to something going wrong for an outside visitor, usually caused by a resident of the area.
“Wrong Turn” (2003), “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” (1974) and “Deliverance” (1972) are all examples of the “hillbilly horror” genre and its stereotypes of Appalachians and southerners. These multi-million dollar movies can spread stereotypes of Appalachia across the country and contribute to a long history of misrepresentation.
However, a horror movie being set in Appalachia does not automatically make it a contributor to the “hillbilly horror” genre.
“The Silence of the Lambs” (1991) and “Silent Hill” (2006) are accepted by typical critics as well-done Appalachian representation in horror. The positive response shows that avoiding the “hillbilly horror” genre is possible and has been done before.
“Tucker & Dale vs. Evil” (2010), while not purely horror, turns the genre on its head. Campers wrongfully attribute the violent hillbilly stereotype to Tucker and Dale, leading to a series of misfortunate events as the campers try to escape and the two men attempt to explain they are simply on vacation.
Movies making fun of or avoiding the stereotypes of Appalachians are few and far between. A recognition of the “hillbilly horror” stereotype can help audiences notice its stereotypical influences in Appalachian media.
