Women, Monstrosity and Horror Film

Gynaehorror

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Gender Studies, Sociology
Cover of the book Women, Monstrosity and Horror Film by Erin Harrington, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Erin Harrington ISBN: 9781134779338
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: August 10, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Erin Harrington
ISBN: 9781134779338
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: August 10, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Women occupy a privileged place in horror film. Horror is a space of entertainment and excitement, of terror and dread, and one that relishes the complexities that arise when boundaries – of taste, of bodies, of reason – are blurred and dismantled. It is also a site of expression and exploration that leverages the narrative and aesthetic horrors of the reproductive, the maternal and the sexual to expose the underpinnings of the social, political and philosophical othering of women.

This book offers an in-depth analysis of women in horror films through an exploration of ‘gynaehorror’: films concerned with all aspects of female reproductive horror, from reproductive and sexual organs, to virginity, pregnancy, birth, motherhood and finally to menopause. Some of the themes explored include: the intersection of horror, monstrosity and sexual difference; the relationships between normative female (hetero)sexuality and the twin figures of the chaste virgin and the voracious vagina dentata; embodiment and subjectivity in horror films about pregnancy and abortion; reproductive technologies, monstrosity and ‘mad science’; the discursive construction and interrogation of monstrous motherhood; and the relationships between menopause, menstruation, hagsploitation and ‘abject barren’ bodies in horror.

The book not only offers a feminist interrogation of gynaehorror, but also a counter-reading of the gynaehorrific, that both accounts for and opens up new spaces of productive, radical and subversive monstrosity within a mode of representation and expression that has often been accused of being misogynistic. It therefore makes a unique contribution to the study of women in horror film specifically, while also providing new insights in the broader area of popular culture, gender and film philosophy.

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

Women occupy a privileged place in horror film. Horror is a space of entertainment and excitement, of terror and dread, and one that relishes the complexities that arise when boundaries – of taste, of bodies, of reason – are blurred and dismantled. It is also a site of expression and exploration that leverages the narrative and aesthetic horrors of the reproductive, the maternal and the sexual to expose the underpinnings of the social, political and philosophical othering of women.

This book offers an in-depth analysis of women in horror films through an exploration of ‘gynaehorror’: films concerned with all aspects of female reproductive horror, from reproductive and sexual organs, to virginity, pregnancy, birth, motherhood and finally to menopause. Some of the themes explored include: the intersection of horror, monstrosity and sexual difference; the relationships between normative female (hetero)sexuality and the twin figures of the chaste virgin and the voracious vagina dentata; embodiment and subjectivity in horror films about pregnancy and abortion; reproductive technologies, monstrosity and ‘mad science’; the discursive construction and interrogation of monstrous motherhood; and the relationships between menopause, menstruation, hagsploitation and ‘abject barren’ bodies in horror.

The book not only offers a feminist interrogation of gynaehorror, but also a counter-reading of the gynaehorrific, that both accounts for and opens up new spaces of productive, radical and subversive monstrosity within a mode of representation and expression that has often been accused of being misogynistic. It therefore makes a unique contribution to the study of women in horror film specifically, while also providing new insights in the broader area of popular culture, gender and film philosophy.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Tourism Management by Erin Harrington
Cover of the book Everyday Mysteries by Erin Harrington
Cover of the book Interpersonal Communication by Erin Harrington
Cover of the book The Lee Strasberg Notes by Erin Harrington
Cover of the book The Psychology Of Men Of Genius by Erin Harrington
Cover of the book Using IT Effectively in Teaching and Learning by Erin Harrington
Cover of the book Physicalism by Erin Harrington
Cover of the book Iconocalstes by Erin Harrington
Cover of the book Conducting Research in Conservation by Erin Harrington
Cover of the book Segmentation, Revenue Management and Pricing Analytics by Erin Harrington
Cover of the book Personal Mobilities by Erin Harrington
Cover of the book Equality, Diversity and Opportunity Management by Erin Harrington
Cover of the book Comprehending Test Manuals by Erin Harrington
Cover of the book Goffman and Social Organization by Erin Harrington
Cover of the book Urban Squares as Places, Links and Displays by Erin Harrington
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