The Aesthetics of horror films : A Santayanan perspective 1st ed.

Author

• Sopuck, Forrest Adam

Additional Author(s)

-

Publisher

Cham, Switzerland : Springer International Publishing, 2021

Language

English

ISBN

9783030843465

Series

Subject(s)

• AESTHETICS
• MOTION PICTURES AND TELEVISION
• SANTAYANA, GEORGE, 1863-1952

Notes

. .

Abstract

This book analyzes the nature and functions of horror films from the vantage of a theoretical reconstruction of George Santayana’s account of beauty. This neo-Santayanan framework forms the conceptual backdrop for a new model of horror’s aesthetic enjoyment, the nature of which is detailed through the examination of plot, cinematic, and visual devices distinctive of the popular genre. According to this model, the audience derives pleasure from the films through confronting the aversive scenarios they communicate and rationalizing a denial of their personal applicability. The films then come to embody these acts of self-assertion and intellectual overcoming and become objects of pride. How horror films can acquire necropolitical functions within the context of abusive systems of power is also clarified. These functions, which exploit the power of anti-tragedy, downward social comparison, or vicarious emotion, work to remediate aggressive, ascetic, or revolutionary impulses in ways that are not injurious to the status quo. This book champions horror as a source of self-empowerment and unmitigated beauty, but also attests to the potential social harms of the genre.

Physical Dimension

Number of Page(s)

1 online resource (xiii, 131 p.)

Dimension

-

Other Desc.

-

Summary / Review / Table of Content

Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Aesthetic Optimism
Chapter 3: Fear in the Cinema and the Definition of Horror
Chapter 4: Horror and its Dark Visions
Chapter 5: Horror and its Dark Witnesses

Exemplar(s)

#	Accession No.	Call Number	Location	Status
1.	00626/22	791.436164 Sop A	Online !	Available