The Aesthetics of Horror Films: A Santayanan Perspective

by Forrest Adam Sopuck

Overview

This book analyzes the nature and functions of horror films from the vantage of a theoretical reconstruction of George Santayana’s account of beauty. This neo-Santayanan framework forms the conceptual backdrop for a new model of horror’s aesthetic enjoyment, the nature of which is detailed through the examination of plot, cinematic, and visual devices distinctive of the popular genre. According to this model, the audience derives pleasure from the films through confronting the aversive scenarios they communicate and rationalizing a denial of their personal applicability. The films then come to embody these acts of self-assertion and intellectual overcoming and become objects of pride. How horror films can acquire necropolitical functions within the context of abusive systems of power is also clarified. These functions, which exploit the power of anti-tragedy, downward social comparison, or vicarious emotion, work to remediate aggressive, ascetic, or revolutionary impulses in ways that are not injurious to the status quo. This book champions horror as a source of self-empowerment and unmitigated beauty, but also attests to the potential social harms of the genre.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783030843458
Publisher:	Springer International Publishing
Publication date:	09/25/2021
Edition description:	1st ed. 2021
Pages:	131
Product dimensions:	5.83(w) x 8.27(h) x 0.00(d)

About the Author

Forrest Adam Sopuck was awarded his Ph.D. in philosophy at McMaster University in 2015. His areas of specialization are early modern philosophy (with an emphasis on 18th century Scottish philosophy and Kant), philosophy of mind (with an emphasis on the philosophy of perception), and early 20th century philosophy (especially Santayana). His current work explores how Santayana's philosophical views contribute to contemporary metaphysical debates surrounding non-mereological composition, individuation, substance, colour, and metaphysical fundamentality.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction.- Chapter 2: Aesthetic Optimism.- Chapter 3: Fear in the Cinema and the Definition of Horror.- Chapter 4: Horror and its Dark Visions.- Chapter 5: Horror and its Dark Witnesses.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Sopuck’s book provides a much-needed expansion of our understanding of the artistic value and cultural role of horror films. Engaging with scholars in the fields of psychology, philosophy, and horror theory, he carefully extends the aesthetic views of George Santayana into a highly original framework that he dubs the 'sport model' of horror aesthetics. But more than this, he then uses this framework to further examine the potentially dangerous necropolitical implications of horror in the contemporary landscape. Eminently readable, with outstanding degrees of theoretical elaboration and numerous cinematic examples, the book deftly balances the worlds of scholarship and popular entertainment, providing a work that is not only thoroughly enjoyable and personally relatable, but is also sure to leave a lasting impact in the world of horror theory."

—Vernon W. Cisney, Associate Professor, Interdisciplinary Studies, Gettysburg College