Containing essays from the 1950s alongside contemporary writing, this reader explores the development of the genre of the horror film from the days of the silent movie, right up to the end of the 20th century with consideration of films such as "Scream 3".
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Summary
Containing essays from the 1950s alongside contemporary writing, this reader explores the development of the genre of the horror film from the days of the silent movie, right up to the end of the 20th century with consideration of films such as "Scream 3".
Description
This book begins with seminal essays, several dating back to the 1950s, that uncover the roots of the genre and explain its wide-ranging, indestructible appeal. These writings include, among many others, 'The Horror of It All' by Hollis Alpert and Charles Beaumont, 'The Subconscious: From Pleasure Castle to Libido Motel' by Raymond Durgnat and 'Satisfaction: A Most Unpleasant Feeling' by Roman Polanski. The second part of the book, New Perspectives, focuses on such specific films as Tod Browning's Freaks and The Devil Doll, The Haunting, in both its 1963 and 1999 incarnations, and The Devil and Daniel Webster; and on such sequel-driven characters as Frankenstein's monster and Freddy Kruegar and the Candyman. The scope of the collection is thus surprisingly broad considering as it does the horror film genre from different times, different perspectives, different angles. But the book's purpose is unvarying: to increase our understanding of how these movies succeed (or do not) in making our flesh creep, our skin turn pale and our hair stand on end. Indeed, the stills alone -- about 100 of them -- may occasionally do that.
About the Author
Alain Silver and James Ursini
These essays offer a broad overview of the horror film genre, from the silent screen to Scream 3, demonstrating how it remains defiantly, frighteningly alive.
Product Details
Returns
This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.
