Book Description

During the 1970s, the sub-genre of Blaxploitation Horror films was influenced by Black Nationalism and drew from themes of Black Power to appeal to Black audiences. This thesis explores Blaxploitation horror and Black Power by comparing Blacula with Scream, Blacula, Scream. However, the degree to which Black Power appeared varied depended on the amount of Black involvement. Blacula (1972) was significant because it was the first Blaxploitation horror film and presented the first Black vampire in a Hollywood film. Directed by William Crain, a Black director with ties to the L.A. Rebellion, a Black Nationalist filmmakers' movement, the film makes a statement against violent police systems using elements of Black Power. In contrast, Scream, Blacula, Scream (1973) directed by a white director, Bob Kelljan, followed a more stereotypical and exploitative model than Blacula. Historians have argued that overall Blaxploitation horror films failed at an attempt to present positive political statements. However, this thesis suggests that while both Blacula and Scream, Blacula, Scream failed to overcome Black stereotypes, Blacula draws more heavily from Black Power and intentionally incorporates Black Power ideology while Scream, Blacula, Scream follows a more traditional horror formula. This digital project explores the contrast between the two films through an exhibit, timeline, and podcast hosted on Omeka and WordPress.