Studying Hammer Horror


Book Description

When Hammer Productions was formed in the 1920s, no one foresaw the impact this small, independent studio would have on the international film market. Christopher Lee's mesmerizing, animalistic, yet gentlemanly performance as Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, and the Mummy were celebrated worldwide, and the Byronic qualities of Peter Cushing's Dr. Frankenstein, among his many other Hammer characters, proved impossible to forget. Hammer maintained consistent period settings, creating a timeless and enchanting aesthetic. Studying Hammer Horror treats Hammer as a quintessentially British product and through a study of its work investigates larger conceptions of national horror cinemas. The book examines genre, auteur theory, stardom, and representation within case studies of Curse of Frankenstein (1957), Twins of Evil (1971), and Hammer's latest film, Beyond the Rave (2008). Walden weighs Hammer's impact on the British film industry, past and present. Intended for students, fans, and general readers, this book transcends superficial preconceptions of Hammer horror in order to reach the essence of Hammer.




Hammer, House of Horror


Book Description

In its heyday during the Fifties, Sixties and early Seventies, Hammer Films produced a legacy of horror films such as Dracula, The Curse of Frankenstein and The Quatermass Experiment, featuring stars who included Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Bette Davis, Ursula Andress, Raquel Welch, Stephanie Beacham and Julie Ege. This book provides a chronological, film-by-film history of the studio, from its obscure beginnings in the 1930s to its decline and virtual disappearance five decades later. It includes coverage of the pre-horror, science-fiction films of the 1950s, and post-horror comedy of the 1980s, with complete credits for all Hammer films.




Studying Hammer Horror


Book Description

When Hammer Productions was formed in the 1920s, no one foresaw the impact this small, independent studio would have on the international film market. Christopher Lee's mesmerizing, animalistic, yet gentlemanly performance as 'Dracula', 'Frankenstein's Monster', and the 'Mummy' were celebrated worldwide, and the Byronic qualities of Peter Cushing's 'Dr Frankenstein', among his many other Hammer characters, proved impossible to forget. Hammer maintained consistent period settings, creating a timeless and enchanting aesthetic. This text treats Hammer as a quintessentially British product and through a study of its work investigates larger conceptions of national horror cinemas.




The Women of Hammer Horror


Book Description

The Hammer studio is best known for its horror film output from the mid-1950s through the 1970s. This book provides facts about the hundreds of actresses who appeared in those films, including ones released in the twenty-first century by a resurgent Hammer. Each woman's entry includes her Hammer filmography, a brief biography if available, and other film credits in the horror genre. The book is illustrated with more than 60 film stills and posters.




Studying Horror Cinema


Book Description

Aimed at teachers and students new to the subject, Studying Horror Cinema is a comprehensive survey of the genre from silent cinema to its twenty-first century resurgence. Structured as a series of thirteen case studies of easily accessible films, it covers the historical, production, and cultural context of each film, together with detailed textual analysis of key sequences. Sitting alongside such acknowledged classics as Psycho and Rosemary’s Baby are analyses of influential non-English language films as Kwaidan, Bay of Blood, and Let the Right One In. The author concludes with a chapter on 2017’s blockbuster It, the most financially successful horror film of all time, making Studying Horror Cinema the most up-to-date overview of the genre available.




Critical Readings on Hammer Horror Films


Book Description

This collection offers close readings on Hammer’s cycle of horror films, analysing key films and placing particular emphasis on the narratives and themes present in the works discussed. Ranging from the studio’s first horror outing, The Mystery of the Mary Celeste (1935) to Hammer’s last contemporary film, Doctor Jekyll (2023), the collection celebrates cult-favourites such as The Quatermass Experiment, the films of Terence Fisher, to overlooked classics such as Captain Clegg or The Mummy franchise. This volume also delves into Hammer’s psychological thrillers, the studio’s venture into TV with Hammer’s House of Horrors, with theoretical frameworks varying from queer studies to postcolonial readings. This volume will appeal to scholars and students of film studies, international cinema, film history and horror studies.




An Introduction to Film Studies


Book Description

An Introduction to Film Studies has established itself as the leading textbook for students of cinema. This revised and updated third edition guides students through the key issues and concepts in film studies, and introduces some of the world's key national cinemas including British, Indian, Soviet and French. Written by experienced teachers in the field and lavishly illustrated with over 122 film stills and production shots, it will be essential reading for any student of film. Features of the third edition include: *full coverage of all the key topics at undergraduate level *comprehensive and up-to-date information and new case studies on recent films such as Gladiator, Spiderman, The Blair Witch Project, Fight Club, Shrekand The Matrix *annotated key readings, further viewing, website resources, study questions, a comprehensive bibliography and indexes, and a glossary of key terms will help lecturers prepare tutorials and encourage students to undertake independent study. Individual chapters include: *Film form and narrative *Spectator, audience and response *Critical approaches to Hollywood cinema: authorship, genre and stars *Animation: forms and meaning *Gender and film *Lesbian and gay cinema *British cinema *Soviet montage Cinema *French New Wave *Indian Cinema




Film Studies: The Basics


Book Description

Film Studies: The Basics is a compelling guide to the study of cinema in all its forms. This second edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to take account of recent scholarship, the latest developments in the industry and the explosive impact of new technologies. Core topics covered include: The history, technology and art of cinema Theories of stardom, genre and film-making The movie industry from Hollywood to Bollywood Who does what on a film set Complete with film stills, end-of-chapter summaries and a substantial glossary, Film Studies: The Basics is the ideal introduction to those new to the study of cinema.




Studies in Terror: Landmarks of Horror Cinema


Book Description

Acclaimed critic and broadcaster Jonathan Rigby brings his trademark wit and insight to bear on 130 of the key moments in screen horror. His scope is wide, ranging from silent masterworks like Nosferatu and The Cabinet of Dr Caligari to such 21st century milestones as The Descent and Let the Right One In. In between, he scrutinises the achievements of Universal in the 1930s and Hammer in the 1960s. Lavishly illustrated, the result is a beautifully presented history of international horror cinema that's as entertaining as it is informative.




Cinema Studies: The Key Concepts


Book Description

Cinema Studies: The Key Concepts is an essential guide for anyone interested in film. Providing accessible coverage of a comprehensive range of genres, movements, theories and production terms, this is a must-have guide to a fascinating area of study and arguably the greatest art form of modern times. Now fully revised and updated for its fourth edition, the book includes new topical entries such as: CGI Convergence Cult cinema Digital cinema/Post-digital cinema Dogme 95• Movement-image/Time-image Quota quickies 3-D technology




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