Description
Controversial yet beloved among audiences, Christmas-themed horror movies emerged in the early 1970s and gained a notorious reputation with Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984), depicting Santa as an ax-wielding maniac. Some parents and conservative groups condemned the film, while others embraced the portrayal of Yuletide as a backdrop for fear and dread. Drawing on interviews with directors, producers, special effects artists, photographers and actors, this book celebrates the sordid, colorful history of the Christmas horror subgenre. Psycho Santa films such as Christmas Evil (1980) and 3615 code Pere Noel (1989) are examined, along with "Yule-Die" slashers like The Dorm that Dripped Blood (1982), Black Christmas (1974) and Silent Night, Bloody Night (1972). Commercial successes like Gremlins (1984) and Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010) are covered, as well as more recent releases such as Better Watch Out (2016), Red Christmas (2016) and Deathcember (2019). Rare photographs, promotional materials and an annotated filmography are provided.
Author: Matthew C. Dupée
Publisher: McFarland and Company, Inc.
Published: 06/03/2022
Pages: 370
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.30lbs
Size: 9.90h x 6.90w x 1.00d
ISBN13: 9781476679990
ISBN10: 1476679991
BISAC Categories:
- Performing Arts | Film | Genres | Horror
Author: Matthew C. Dupée
Publisher: McFarland and Company, Inc.
Published: 06/03/2022
Pages: 370
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.30lbs
Size: 9.90h x 6.90w x 1.00d
ISBN13: 9781476679990
ISBN10: 1476679991
BISAC Categories:
- Performing Arts | Film | Genres | Horror
About the Author
Matthew C. DuPée is an author and horror film enthusiast who lives in the Washington D.C. metro area. His wide array of works have been published in Rue Morgue, Offscreen, Bright Lights Film Journal, and Morbidly Beautiful.