Articles
In recent year, there has been a significant shift in how Black people are incorporated in horror movies. Not just as characters within films. Directors like Jordan Peele have created critically acclaimed films that explore racism and discrimination as a theme of the plot. Considering the origin of Black people in horror cinema, and cinema in general, modern films have been revolutionary. Published in 2023, this source is able to cover some of the most popular films created by Black movie directors. This article covers this topic in-depth and is readily available through the UAlbany library website.
Tartaglia K. Close-up: Contemporary black horror introduction. Black Camera. 2023;14(2):243-251. https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/close-up-contemporary-black-horror-introduction/docview/2780933667/se-2. doi: https://doi.org/10.2979/blackcamera.14.2.14.
As previously noted, the horror genre has long relied on sexist and racist stereotypes to make their movies. This article explores the role the patriarchy has had in influencing how female characters are written and the misogynistic undertones and overtones in movie plots. In addition, it also explores what is known as the "final girl" trope, commonly used in this film genre. This article was published relatively recently and therefore incorporates both modern and older films in their analysis. The article is available through the UAlbany library website and by clicking the title link above.
Almwaka, M. (2022). Complex Female Agency, the “Final Girl” trope, and the Subversion and Reaffirmation of Patriarchy: The Cases of Western & MENA Horror Films. Journal of International Women’s Studies, 24(3), 1–11.
Published by the journal Studies in Gender & Sexuality, this article analyzes the intersection between race and gender specifically within the movie Get Out by Jordan Peele. The women of the movie are analyzed through the lens of the "final girl" trope. In Jordan Peele's film, the "final girl" is a white woman, which has sparked many conversations around race. Even though the film has been praised for casting a Black male lead, the role race and gender play in the female characters has come into question. This article is an informational and interesting exploration on this topic and a great source to dive deeper into the politics of horror movies.
Greven, D. (2021). The Women of Get Out: Femininity, Race, and Betrayal in the Contemporary Horror Film. Studies in Gender & Sexuality, 22(3), 192–205. https://doi-org.libproxy.albany.edu/10.1080/15240657.2021.1961496
Books
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Men, Women, and Chain Saws
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ISBN: 9780691166292Publication Date: 2015-05-26Men, Women, and Chainsaws is a well known book within film studies. Written by Carol Clover in the early 90s, she coined the term "final girl." This trope is now widely seen in many horror films and has evolved in more recent films. In this publication, the author discusses the dynamics of horror movies in relation to female victimhood/heroism, the male gaze, and the pleasure of seeing movie characters in torturous situations. Although it is not the most updated analysis, it is still regarded as a must read for those wanting to learn about the intersection of gender and horror cinema. Available to UAlbany students through interlibrary loan.
Clover, C. J. (2015). Men, women and chainsaws gender in the modern horror film (1. Princeton Classics edition.). Princeton University Press.
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It Came from the Closet
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ISBN: 9781952177798Publication Date: 2022-10-04A number of queer authors share their experiences and connections with horror movies. Historically, the genre has had a controversial past. Often reflecting societies prejudices and bigotry. As a result, members of the LGBTQ+ community, carry a fraught relationship with the genre. The writers included in this book discuss everything from their queer awakenings credited to movies like "Jennifer's Body" to queer coded characters or plots that are not readily perceived by the majority. This is a diverse set of anecdotes from popular authors, including Carmen Maria Machado. Not currently available in the UAlbany catalog but can be ordered from another library using interlibrary loan.
Vallese, J. (Ed.). (2022). It came from the closet : queer reflections on horror . The Feminist Press at the City University of New York.