Cinema of the Psychic Realm : A Critical Survey

Cinema is ideally suited to the world of psychic phenomena. A technique as simple as a voice-over can simulate mental telepathy, while unusual lighting, set design, or creative digital manipulation can conjure clairvoyant visions, precognition, or even psychokinesis. This book analyzes the depiction of paranormal powers in film, examining how movies like Star Wars, Independence Day, The Green Mile , and dozens of others both reflect and influence the way modern society thinks about psychic abilities. The theme is explored in nearly 100 films from a variety of genres including drama, comedy, horror, science fiction, crime melodrama, and children's films, providing a concise review of the history and concepts of mainstream cinematic parapsychology.

Cinema is ideally suited to render the fantastic world of ESP and other psychic or paranormal abilities tangible to an audience. A technique as simple as a voice-over can simulate mental telepathy, while unusual lighting, set design, or creative digital manipulation can conjure clairvoyant visions, precognition, or even psychokinesis. This book explores the depiction of paranormal powers in fiction films, examining how popular films like Star Wars, Independence Day, The Green Mile, and dozens of others both reflect and influence the way modern society perceives the notion of psychic abilities. The psychic theme is explored in nearly 100 films from a variety of genres including drama, comedy, horror, science fiction, crime melodrama, and children's films, providing a concise review of the history and concepts of mainstream cinematic parapsychology.

"This book explores the depiction of paranormal powers in fiction films, examining how popular films both reflect and influence the way modern society perceives the notion of psychic abilities. The psychic theme is explored in nearly 100 films from a variety of genres including drama, comedy, horror, science fiction, crime melodrama, and children's films"--Provided by publisher. A brief history of the paranormal in fact and fiction Early paranormal films ESP in drama, comedy and children's films Paranormal crime and melodrama The dark side of ESP : horror and fantasy Alien ESP Psi-fi : psychic science fiction blockbusters Remote viewing, black psi-ops and paranoia Conclusion.