Psychological Reflections on Cinematic Terror

by Iaccino, James F.

• ISBN13: 9780275944919
• ISBN10: 0275944913
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1994-06-30
• Publisher: Praeger Pub Text

Summary

In this examination of the psychology of terror, Iaccino uses Jungian archetypes to analyze significant works in the horror film genre. In the past, Jungian archetypes have been used to interpret mythologies, to examine great works of literature, and to explain why sexual stereotypes persist in our society. Here, for the first time, Iaccino applies such models as the "Cursed Wanderers," the "Warrior Amazons," the "Random Destroyers," and the "Techno-Myths" to highlight recurrent themes in a wide range of films, from early classics such as Nosferatu to the contemporary Nightmare on Elm Street and Alien series. With this innovative approach, Iaccino gains a new perspective on the psychology of the often powerful compulsion to be scared.

Author Biography

JAMES F. IACCINO is a Professor of Psychology at Illinois Benedictine College.

Table of Contents

Preface<BR>

Introduction to the Horror Archetypes<BR>

Description of the Major Archetypes in the Horror Genre<BR>

An Historical Perspective on the Horror Archetypes<BR>

The Orphan Archetype in Horror<BR>

From Psycho to The Shining: Victims of Cruel Surroundings<BR>

The Cursed Wanderer Archetype in Horror; Vampires: The Lonely Children of the Night, Part 1<BR>

Werewolves: The Lonely Children of the Night, Part 2<BR>

The Mad Magician Archetype in Horror<BR>

Frankenstein: The Alchemic "New Age" Creator<BR>

The Shadow Abomination Archetype in Horror<BR>

From Them to The Blob: Technologically Produced Behemoths<BR>

The Changing Female Archetype in Horror<BR>

From Halloween to Aliens: Outdated Martyr to New Age Warrior<BR>

Avenging versus Random Destroyer Archetypes in Horror<BR>

The Living Dead Trilogy and Other Tales: Horrific Parables of Destruction<BR>

More Contemporary Archetypes in Horror<BR>

From Dr. Phibes to Nightmare on Elm Street: The Dark Humor Shadow-Tricksters<BR>

From Re-animator to Lifeforce: The Techno-Mythic Archetypes<BR>

Bibliography<BR>

Index