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Horror films of the 1980s

by Muir, John Kenneth, 1969-

Format: Print Book 2007
Availability: Available at 1 Library 1 of 1 copy

Available (1)
Location Collection Call #
CLP - Main Library Second Floor - Non-fiction PN1995.9.H6 M86 2007
Location  CLP - Main Library
 
Collection  Second Floor - Non-fiction
 
Call Number  PN1995.9.H6 M86 2007
 
 

Summary
John Kenneth Muir is back! His Horror Films of the 1970s was named an Outstanding Reference Book by the American Library Association, and likewise a Booklist Editors' Choice. This time, Muir surveys 300 films from the 1980s. From backwards psychos (Just Before Dawn) and yuppie-baiting giant rats (Of Unknown Origin), to horror franchises like Friday the 13th and Hellraiser, Muir is our informative guide through 10 macabre years of silver screen terrors.
Published Reviews
Booklist Review: "Muir has written a companion book to his Horror Films of the 1970s (2002), this time discussing more than 325 films released from 1980 through 1989, mainly from the U.S. but also including representative films from Canada, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, and other countries. The author watched hundred of films, interviewed talents behind the movies, and invited guest reviewers and critics to round out the details. The volume begins with a chapter that provides some social context and then offers an extensive discussion of the slasher genre ( A History of the Dead Teenager Decade ).  Movies are listed alphabetically by year of release. Entries range in length from 2 to 5 pages and may include critical reception, cast and crew, point of view, synopsis, commentary, production close-ups, and legacy. Each film is rated with up to 4 stars. About 10 percent of the entries contain a black-and-white still. Value-added information is provided in the seven appendixes, among them a list of movies grouped by horror conventions (e.g., The Campfire, The Vietnam Vet ); a performer Hall of Fame ; and Muir's choice of the 15 best 1980s horror films, with commentary. Two pages of chapter notes, a 4-page bibliography, and a 13-page index (covering titles, persons, and subjects) conclude the volume. Writing is clear, with a personal but expert tone. The 2-column layout facilitates reading the dense text.  Can a horror-film reference book be pleasurable browsing? This volume does a good job, combining useful information and enjoyable commentary, and is recommended for film collections in academic and public libraries.--Farmer, Lesley Copyright 2007 Booklist"
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Additional Information
Subjects Horror films -- United States -- History and criticism.
Publisher Jefferson, N.C. :McFarland & Co.,2007
Language English
Description xiv, 829 pages : illustrations ; 27 cm
Bibliography Notes Includes bibliographical references (pages 813-816) and index.
ISBN 9780786428212 (illustrated case binding : alk. paper)
078642821X (illustrated case binding : alk. paper)
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