The Monster Always Returns: American Horror Films and Their Remakes (Film Studies)

The monsters of the horror genre never remain dead--they invariably return in new and terrifying shapes for another installment. In this study, Christian Knoppler explores the phenomenon of horror film remakes. He argues that even though these derivative films typically earn little praise from critics, their constant refiguration of monsters and horror scenarios serves to access and update otherwise obscure cultural fears. With an in-depth examination of six sample sequences of films and remakes, this book aims to shed new light on a much maligned and often neglected type of film and promises fresh insights to scholars and aficionados alike.

The monsters of the horror genre never remain dead - they invariably return in new and terrifying shapes for another installment. In this study Christian Knöppler explores the phenomenon of horror film remakes. He argues that even though these derivative films typically earn little praise from critics, their constant refiguration of monsters and horror scenarios serves to access and update otherwise obscure cultural fears. With an in-depth examination of six sample sequences of films and remakes, this book aims to shed new light on a much maligned and often neglected type of film and promises fresh insights to scholars and aficionados alike.

Cover Table of Contents Introduction PART I: HORROR AND ITS REMAKES 1. Horror 2. Remakes and Remaking PART II: HORROR REMAKE COMPLEXES 3. Alien Invaders and Shifting Bodies 4. Conformity and Doppelgänger Horror 5. Contagion and Social Collapse 6. Consumer Zombie Apocalypse 7. Cannibal Hillbillies and Backwoods Horror 8. Suburban Stalkers and Final Girls Conclusion Works Cited