Grotesques
The portrayal of dysmorphologies, monsters, and other grotesques entered the horror category early, and the films were filled with exploitation, gruesomeness, and degeneracy. Physicians must be intrigued by the underlying nature of the major anomalies depicted on the screen. This chapter examines several extraordinary works that explore the disabled protagonist’s isolation and mistreatment. Many films in the horror genre have sparked important discussions of bioethics. Films about those who look different or are disabled due to congenital defects or disease have proliferated. Filmmakers used disability to evoke the audience’s pity in the early years, but this later changed to themes of acceptance and compassion. Cinema can play a critical role in highlighting abuse, isolation, and tribulations among persons with disabilities and in encouraging acceptance.