Devil Show -- The Cultural History of Horror Films

Author: (USA) David Skal
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: The Dr. Caligari, Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, The Dual Nature of Man, The Monster, The Wolf Man, and King Kong—these cinematic demons were created one by one, thrilling and captivating 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 Skal shows us the dark side of the American century, where the obsession with horror themes is deeply embedded in American culture. Behind the glory lies collective screaming, and dreams carry fear. Horror films are metaphors for economy, war, and sex. With the Great Depression, World War II, and high technology, the demons in the dark world become active.
Horrible memories of war: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Nosferatu, The Wolf Man, The Battle of the Living Dead.
Psychological trauma caused by the Great Depression: Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, The Dual Nature of Man, The Monster.
Nightmare of technology: Godzilla, The Invaders from Mars, The Brain Eaters, Alien.
Hints of homosexuality, incest, and sexual abuse: Frankenstein's Daughter, The Mark of the Vampire, Dracula's Daughter.