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In this examination of the psychology of terror, Iaccino uses Jungian archetypes to analyze significant works in the horror film genre. In the past, Jungian archetypes have been used to interpret mythologies, to examine great works of literature, and to explain why sexual stereotypes persist in our society. Here, for the first time, Iaccino applies such models as the Cursed Wanderers, the Warrior Amazons, the Random Destroyers, and the Techno-Myths to highlight recurrent themes in a wide range of films, from early classics such as Nosferatu to the contemporary Nightmare on Elm Street and Alien series. With this innovative approach, Iaccino gains a new perspective on the psychology of the often powerful compulsion to be scared.
List of contents
Preface
Introduction to the Horror ArchetypesDescription of the Major Archetypes in the Horror Genre
An Historical Perspective on the Horror Archetypes
The Orphan Archetype in HorrorFrom Psycho to The Shining: Victims of Cruel Surroundings
The Cursed Wanderer Archetype in Horror; Vampires: The Lonely Children of the Night, Part 1
Werewolves: The Lonely Children of the Night, Part 2
The Mad Magician Archetype in HorrorFrankenstein: The Alchemic "New Age" Creator
The Shadow Abomination Archetype in HorrorFrom Them to The Blob: Technologically Produced Behemoths
The Changing Female Archetype in HorrorFrom Halloween to Aliens: Outdated Martyr to New Age Warrior
Avenging versus Random Destroyer Archetypes in HorrorThe Living Dead Trilogy and Other Tales: Horrific Parables of Destruction
More Contemporary Archetypes in HorrorFrom Dr. Phibes to Nightmare on Elm Street: The Dark Humor Shadow-Tricksters
From Re-animator to Lifeforce: The Techno-Mythic Archetypes
Bibliography
Index
About the author
JAMES F. IACCINO is Professor of Psychology at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. Extensive publications in psychology include his recent title, Psychological Reflections on Cinematic Terror (Praeger, 1994) and his comprehensive physiological text, Left Brain-Right Brain Differences: Inquiries, Evidence, New Approaches (1993).
Summary
In this examination of the psychology of terror, Iaccino uses Jungian archetypes to analyze significant works in the horror film genre.
