A ghostly figure at the window. The smash of glass. The glint of light on the edge of a knife. A row of gnashing teeth, dripping with blood. A flash of lightning. A gut wrenching scream. Horror films have proven to be among the highest grossing yet most maligned films ever made. Dismissed as juvenile and unworthy of attention by critics, what is it that brings people the world over to part with their money time and again for the privilege of being scared?
In the Pocket Essential Horror Films you will find out what makes a successful horror film. There is also a history of the genre from the silent era to the present day including reviews of the landmark films that defined major trends. And there is a closer look at 10 key movers in the field, including Wes Craven, Clive Barker, George A Romero, Dario Argento, Tod Browning and David Cronenberg.
Packed to the gills with scary facts and gruesome goings on, let the Pocket Essential Horror Films be your guide to the dark side of the silver screen. So join us on a journey into terror. Some of you may never return...
Michelle Le Blanc is a freelance author and film critic. She has co-authored books with Colin Odell about John Carpenter, Tim Burton, Horror Films, Jackie Chan, Vampire Films, Anime and Studio Ghibli and contributed to Wallflower Press's Alter Image and The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy. She is an editor and contributor to the online film review salon Kamera.co.uk and Vector Magazine.
Colin Odell is a freelance author and film critic. He has co-authored books with Michelle Le Blanc about John Carpenter, Tim Burton, Horror Films, Jackie Chan, Vampire Films, Anime and Studio Ghibli and contributed to Wallflower Press's Alter Image and The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy. He is an editor and contributor to the online film review salon Kamera.co.uk and Vector Magazine.