Life Lessons from Slasher Films

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Film, History & Criticism, Performing Arts
Cover of the book Life Lessons from Slasher Films by Jessica Robinson, Scarecrow Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jessica Robinson ISBN: 9780810885035
Publisher: Scarecrow Press Publication: June 7, 2012
Imprint: Scarecrow Press Language: English
Author: Jessica Robinson
ISBN: 9780810885035
Publisher: Scarecrow Press
Publication: June 7, 2012
Imprint: Scarecrow Press
Language: English

Horror and slasher films are often dismissed for their apparent lack of sophistication and dearth of redeemable values. However, despite criticism from film snobs who turn up their noses and moralists who look down upon the genre, slasher films are more than just movies filled with gory mayhem. Such films can actually serve a purpose and offer their audiences something more than split skulls and severed heads.

In Life Lessons from Slasher Films, Jessica Robinson looks at representative works that have been scaring audiences for decades—from Alfred Hitchcock’s seminal shocker, Psycho, to the cult classic Black Christmas and iconic thrillers like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Halloween, Friday the 13**th, and Scream. In this book, Robinson examines common themes that have emerged in these films, their various sequels, and countless imitators—a maniacal and seemingly indestructible executioner, sexual encounters that invariably lead to death, increasingly gruesome ways to slaughter helpless victims, and a lone female survivor who finds a way to vanquish the killer—and looks beyond such tropes for what these films can teach us about life.

From practical advice (listen to your elders) to moral platitudes (teens never learn), each chapter considers a different “lesson” that these films teach. Robinson discusses how the events portrayed in slasher films can resonate with viewers and perhaps offer constructive advice on how to conduct our lives. A fun read for fans and scholars alike, Life Lessons from Slasher Films offers an entertaining and persuasive look at how life can imitate art, and what art can say about life.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Horror and slasher films are often dismissed for their apparent lack of sophistication and dearth of redeemable values. However, despite criticism from film snobs who turn up their noses and moralists who look down upon the genre, slasher films are more than just movies filled with gory mayhem. Such films can actually serve a purpose and offer their audiences something more than split skulls and severed heads.

In Life Lessons from Slasher Films, Jessica Robinson looks at representative works that have been scaring audiences for decades—from Alfred Hitchcock’s seminal shocker, Psycho, to the cult classic Black Christmas and iconic thrillers like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Halloween, Friday the 13**th, and Scream. In this book, Robinson examines common themes that have emerged in these films, their various sequels, and countless imitators—a maniacal and seemingly indestructible executioner, sexual encounters that invariably lead to death, increasingly gruesome ways to slaughter helpless victims, and a lone female survivor who finds a way to vanquish the killer—and looks beyond such tropes for what these films can teach us about life.

From practical advice (listen to your elders) to moral platitudes (teens never learn), each chapter considers a different “lesson” that these films teach. Robinson discusses how the events portrayed in slasher films can resonate with viewers and perhaps offer constructive advice on how to conduct our lives. A fun read for fans and scholars alike, Life Lessons from Slasher Films offers an entertaining and persuasive look at how life can imitate art, and what art can say about life.

More books from Scarecrow Press

Cover of the book Hmong-Related Works, 1996-2006 by Jessica Robinson
Cover of the book Leaving Home by Jessica Robinson
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of New Religious Movements by Jessica Robinson
Cover of the book Chord Changes on the Chalkboard by Jessica Robinson
Cover of the book Social Networking by Jessica Robinson
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of Ethiopia by Jessica Robinson
Cover of the book European Soccer Championship Results by Jessica Robinson
Cover of the book Ladies in the Laboratory? American and British Women in Science, 1800-1900 by Jessica Robinson
Cover of the book African Americans and the Oscar by Jessica Robinson
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of Taiwan Cinema by Jessica Robinson
Cover of the book Peggy Gilbert & Her All-Girl Band by Jessica Robinson
Cover of the book The Art and Politics of Bolivian Cinema by Jessica Robinson
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of the Nixon-Ford Era by Jessica Robinson
Cover of the book Handbook of Warning Intelligence by Jessica Robinson
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of Ethiopia by Jessica Robinson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy