Customer Reviews

Dark Dreams: A Psychological History of the Modern Horror Film (The Horror Film from Psycho to Jaws)

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I once heard a Hallowe'en interview on a radio station in Los Angeles where Donald Spoto cited the three types of horror that Derry presents in this genre analysis of the horror film. It was clear that Spoto had digested this book and found it more than satisfying. Although Spoto did not give credit to the original author, it gives proof of the import of Derry's work.

Immensely readable and replete with black and white photos from many of the important films Derry discusses, finding this book in the used book shops and seconds shelves around the country is like finding a treasure trove.

I've heard the author is planning a new release of this book, with an update chapter covering the period of 1970 to the present.

An important, illuminating, and fun book. Terrific analysis and over 200 choice b&w illustrations. It covers all the famous landmark films, but also highlights a lot of movies that I really have to see now: The Tingler, Die Die My Darling, Who Slew Auntie Roo?, Phase IV, The Nightcomers, Ladybug Ladybug...

143 pp, Bibliography, Filmographies.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
The Horror of Personality
The Horror of Armageddon
The Horror of the Demonic
Appendix 1: Directors on Horror
Appendix 2: Filmographies