A series of scary films featuring a menacing depiction of the Australian outback could be frightening off potential tourists, says a new report.
Films such as Wolf Creek, Razorback and Undead may be showcasing Aussie talent, but they also prey on existing fears about travelling into the most remote parts of the country, suggests a doctorate student.
Queensland University of Technology researcher Mark David Ryan wrote his thesis on the growing horror film industry in Australia.
"Horror films hold up a mirror to the dark aspects of a given culture, or underlying cultural fears and anxiety, and in the case of Australian films it is often about a hostile landscape, nature taking its revenge, and also of a fear of outsiders," he noted.
Dr Ryan added that victims in the movies were often foreigners, backpackers or outsiders, adding to the impression that Australia is a dangerous place for a holiday.
According to Outback Australia, Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater National Park received little attention from tourists until it was featured in the in the film Wolf Creek, suggesting not everyone is put off by such gruesome connotations.
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