The Spark of Fear: Technology, Society and the Horror Film

by Brian N. Duchaney

Overview

The horror genre is continually being reinvented as societal fears evolve. As technology has developed and become ubiquitous in modern life, horror films have effectively played upon our increasing reliance on technology as a source of anxiety. Focusing on advancements from the advent of electricity to the Internet, this book explores how technology--ostensibly humanity's means of conquering fear and the unknown--has become a compelling and abundant source of dread in horror films.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781476619828
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	05/20/2015
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	216
File size:	6 MB
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Brian N. Duchaney serves as the director of Military & Veteran Student Services and teaches part-time in the departments of English and Communication Studies at Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts.
Brian N. Duchaney serves as the director of Military & Veteran Student Services and teaches part-time in both the English and communications departments at Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction
Part I—Classic Horror and
Establishing the Horror Film
1. The Origins of the Horror Film: From Page to Screen
2. The Frankenstein Cycle: Film as a Method for Reconciling the Mind/Self in Society
3. Horror from Beyond: Social Anxieties, Dystopias and Outsider Threats
Part II—Modern Horror and the Fear of Progress
4. Psychos, Civic Unrest and Refining Horror
5. The Mainstreaming of Underground Horror: Shlock, Special Effects and Slashers
6. Us vs. Them: Modern Horror and the Horror of Complacency
7. Science Fiction or Science Horror? American Dystopia and Cinematic Frontiers
Part III—Contemporary and Postmodern Horrors in a ­Tech-Savvy World
8. Virtual Terrors: Modern Technologies and the Assumption of Horror
9. Exhibitionism, Technique and Establishing Modern Horror
10. The Future of Horror
Suggested List of Films
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index