Exploring the enduring appeal of masks in horror cinema, this critical work delves into their significance throughout the genre's history. It examines the interplay between masks, ritual, and transformation, shedding light on why these elements have become iconic in horror films. By addressing an often-overlooked aspect of the genre, the book offers a fresh perspective on the cultural and psychological implications of masks in shaping horror narratives.
Highlighting the contributions of women in horror cinema, this book serves as a tribute to the often-overlooked figures from 1895 to 2018. It explores a diverse range of films and movements, from Classical Hollywood to international genres like alt-Nollywood and J-horror. Featuring both prominent and lesser-known creators, the work emphasizes their vital roles in shaping the genre, providing a comprehensive snapshot of female influence in the dark and spooky realms of film history.
Highlighting the contributions of women in the horror genre, this book serves as a tribute to those often overlooked in cinematic history. Spanning from 1895 to 2018, it explores the roles of women across various film movements, including Classical Hollywood and J-horror, showcasing their influence both in front of and behind the camera. With a focus on a diverse range of films, it provides a global perspective on the significant yet frequently unrecognized impact of women in creating dark and spooky cinema.
"Spanning from obscurity to notoriety, the films of director, screenwriter, actor and comic Elaine May have recently experienced a long-overdue renaissance. Although she made only four films -- A New Leaf (1971), The Heartbreak Kid (1972), Mikey and Nicky (1976) and Ishtar (1987) -- and never reached the level of acclaim of her frequent collaborator Mike Nichols, May's work is as enigmatic, sophisticated and unceasingly fascinating as her own complicated, reluctant star persona. This collection focuses both on the films she has directed, and also emphasizes her work with other high profile collaborators such as John Cassavetes, Warren Beatty and Otto Preminger." --Bookdepository.com
This book explores the entwining histories and contexts that led to Ms. 45's creation and helped establish its enduring legacy, particularly in terms of feminist cult film fandom, as well as the film's status as one of the most important, influential, and powerful rape-revenge films ever made.
Focusing on the intersection of art and cinema, this volume delves into the prominent theme of artistic obsession within Italian giallo films. It examines the role of art objects in the works of renowned directors like Dario Argento and Lucio Fulci, highlighting how these elements enhance the narrative and aesthetic experience. By analyzing production, distribution, and reception, the author sheds light on a significant yet often overlooked aspect of giallo cinema, enriching the understanding of its cultural impact and artistic depth.
Exploring the controversial genre of rape-revenge films, this second edition delves into their exploitative reputation while examining the discourse surrounding them. It includes a new chapter focused on women-directed films in this genre, highlighting a resurgence since the #MeToo movement in 2017. This edition not only critiques the genre's historical context but also emphasizes the evolution of female filmmakers within it, offering a nuanced perspective on a topic often dismissed as sensationalist.
As one of the most globally recognisable instances of 20th century Eurohorror, Dario Argento's Suspiria (1976) is poetic, chaotic, and intriguing. The cult reputation of Argento's baroque nightmare is reflected in the critical praise it continues to receive almost 40 years after its original release, and it appears regularly on lists of the greatest horror films ever. For fans and critics alike, Suspiria is as mesmerising as it is the impact of Argento's notorious disinterest in matters of plot and characterisation combines with Suspiria's aggressive stylistic hyperactivity to render it a movie that needs to be experienced through the body as much as through emotion or the intellect. For its many fans, Suspiria is synonymous with European horror more broadly, and Argento himself is by far the most famous of all the Italian horror directors. If there was any doubt of his status as one of the great horror auteurs, Argento's international reputation was solidified wellbeyond the realms of cult fandom in the 1990s with retrospectives at both the American Museum of the Moving Image and the British Film Institute. This book considers the complex ways that Argento weaves together light, sound and cinema history to construct one of the most breathtaking horror movies of all time, a film as fascinating as it is ultimately unfathomable.