Horror Films

by James Marriott

From the slasher icons of Jason, Freddy, and Leatherface and the slick horror of Alien , Scream , and The Ring to the cult classics of Dracula , Frankenstein , and The Mummy , horror has earned its place in the movie-going psyche, with many of the key films spawning numerous copycats. This book analyzes the definitive works and the most influential directors of the genre over the last 50 years—from silent Expressionist classics to Hollywood scream queens—looking at the themes and impact of the genre on both the movie-making industry and audiences the world over. Such categories are included as directors, cast, soundtrack, critical reception and marketing. as well as information on the inspiration behind the films, their impact on the industry and the public, and the tales that often surrounded their production and release.

Genres: Film, Horror, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published December 9, 2004

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horror is regarded as the madwoman in cinema but proved fertile ground for experimentation and shock effects... well, the author does a nice summing up of all major categories and movies. Starting with the silent era (Nosferatu) we move to Killer Bs of the 50s, Hammer Horror (Dracula), Euro-Horror (Eyes Without a Face) to Horror hitting mainstream (Psycho). The Haunting, Night of the Living Dead, Satanic Cinema (Rosemary's Baby), Possession (The Exorcist), Meat Movies (Texas Chainsaw), Slice n' Dice (Halloween), Alien, Cannibal Holocaust, Body Horror (The Fly), Horror Comics (Evil Dead) and Haunted Japan (Ring). Also like the excellent photo section here. Overall a very good summing up of everything major in horror films from past to present. Highly recommended!

[clumsyplankton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it