Since the release of „Rosemary’s Baby“ in 1968, the American horror film has become one of the most diverse, commercially successful, widely discussed, and culturally significant film genres. Drawing on a wide range of critical methods – from close textual readings and structuralist genre criticism to psychoanalytical, feminist, and ideological analyses – the authors examine individual films, directors, and subgenres.In this collection of twelve essays, Gregory Waller balances detailed studies of both popular films („Night of the Living Dead“, „The Exorcist“, and „Halloween“) and particularly problematic films („Don’t Look Now“ and „Eyes of Laura Mars“) with discussions of such central thematic preoccupations as the genre’s representation of violence and female victims, its reflexivity and playfulness, and its ongoing redefinition of the monstrous and the normal. In addition, „American Horrors“ includes a filmography of movies and telefilms and an annotated bibliography of books and articles about horror since 1968.

Often subject to more cuts at the hands of the censor than a serial killer’s razor, the horror film has a fascinating history, not only as film study but also as a look at what has been considered acceptable for the public to view, and what the state will allow its citizens to see.But for the most part horror films are about entertainment–consistently profitable, eminently enjoyable. From horror cinema’s beginnings in the late 19th century to the latest splatter films, from the chills of the ghost film to the terror of the living dead, there is more than enough here to keep fans awake at night. Among the many films discussed are the popular „Dracula,“ „Evil Dead,“ „Frankenstein,“ „Halloween,“ „Ringu,“ „Scream,“ and „The Sixth Sense,“ as well as the more unusual „Black Cat,“ „The Living Dead Girl,“ „Nang Nak,“ „Rouge,“ and „Les Yeux sans Visage.“ The guide also profiles such popular directors as Dario Argento, John Carpenter, Wes Craven, David Cronenberg, Hideo Nakata, and Sam Raimi; as well as cult directors from around the world, including Coffin Joe, Jean Rollin, and Michele Soavi.