Millar, Becky and Lee, Jonny (2021) Horror Films and Grief. Emotion Review. 171–182. ISSN 1754-0739
Abstract
Many of the most popular and critically acclaimed horror films feature grief as a central theme. This article argues that horror films are especially suited to portraying and communicating the phenomenology of grief. We explore two overlapping claims. First, horror is well suited to represent the experience of grief, in particular because the disruptive effects of horror “monsters” on protagonists mirror the core experience of disruption that accompanies bereavement. Second, horror offers ways in which the experience of grief can be contained and regulated and, in doing so, may offer psychological benefits for the bereaved. While our focus will be squarely on film, much of what we say applies to other media.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © The Author(s) 2021 |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Arts and Humanities (York) > Philosophy (York) |
Depositing User: | Pure (York) |
Date Deposited: | 15 Dec 2021 17:10 |
Last Modified: | 26 Nov 2024 00:51 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1177/17540739211022815 |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1177/17540739211022815 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:181642 |