Criminological Understandings of Horror Films

"Criminological Understanding of Horror Films provides a criminological Cooks Tour of a popular genre. Horror films are important contributors to the social construction of crime, criminality, and violence and they consistently emphasize the negative psychological, physical, and spiritual effects of violence. When horror is combined with criminality the real-world realm of crime and justice is also painted. In this volume, the authors lead readers through the rural, urban, suburban, cyber-land, and prison places of crime and horror and the people who live in these criminological horror landscapes. How horror films construct crimes, offenders, and victims and discussions of race, sexuality, gender, and nationality are discussed in detail. The inclusion of specific horror movies results in a book that is both readable and contemporarily relevant. Strongly recommended, Criminological Understanding of Horror Films will help both horror fans and non-fans to see horror crimes in a less dark, more socially significant light." -- Ray Surette, University of Central Florida
The editors have fashioned a collection of powerful essays covering a diverse range of topics within the world of horror. It is an invigorating and penetrating analysis of the subtexts and cultural influences driving this ubiquitous film genre. Truly a wonderful criminological inquiry into the things that we fear and hate! -- Stephen L. Muzzatti, Toronto Metropolitan University