Devil Show: A Cultural History of Horror Movies

Author: Stephen King (USA)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: The Dr. Caligari, Dracula, Frankenstein, The Strange Dr. Fu Manchu, The Monster, The Wolfman, and King Kong – these were created one by one, stimulating and attracting countless people. The author sharply points out that it was the social and political factors of the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War that gave birth to them. David King shows us the dark side of the American century, where the obsession with horror themes is deeply embedded in American culture. Behind the glory are collective screams, and dreams carry fear. Horror films are metaphors for economics, war, and sex. With the Great Depression, World War II, and high technology, the demons in the dark world become active. Horrifying memories of war: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Nosferatu, The Wolfman, The Battle of the Living Dead. The mental trauma of the Great Depression: Dracula, Frankenstein, The Strange Dr. Fu Manchu, The Monster. The nightmare of technology: Godzilla, The Invaders from Mars, The Ghost Baby, Alien. Implications of homosexuality, incest, and sexual abuse: The Bride of Frankenstein, The Mark of the Vampire, The Daughter of Dracula.