Offensive Films: Toward an Anthropology of Cinema Vomitif (Contributions to the Study of Science Fiction and Fantasy) [Hardcover]

Mikita Brottman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 031330033X | ISBN-13: 978-0313300332 | Publication Date: July 30, 1997

The films discussed in this book have been labeled cinema vomitif because they induce a visceral response in their audience. They are an underground hybrid of slasher movies, exploitation films, and shock-u-mentaries. Taking a serious look at a taboo subject, Brottman argues that these scandalous films are of far more substance than has been previously assumed. Their consistent appeal to our repressed appetites, libidinal instincts, and fascination with flesh and death has much to tell us about the human condition. Films analyzed include the voyeuristic Freaks (1932), the traumatic psychodrama The Tingler (1959), the succes de scandale The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1976), the Italian shocker Cannibal Holocaust (1983), and two recent series of "live death" shock-u-mentaries, Death Scenes and Faces of Death (1989-1994). These movies, shunned from mainstream cinema because they are too offensive, obscene, marginal or bizarre, are considered here for the first time as an important part of the cinematic canon.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Classic cinema studies of film eschew the disreputable and marginal films that Brottman showcases in this anthropological investigation. Her primary justification for dealing with films that disgust, appall, and nauseate is that such aesthetic rejects reveal symptoms of a nervous cultural disorder, a sickness unto death underlying the unconscious of mainstream cinema. Brottman dissects this cadaverous body of film from the readerly perspective of consumption, rather than of production.”–Choice

“Mikita Brottman's approach to the subject of 'fringe cinema' is invigorating and her observations original and revelatory. With Offensive Films, viewing these films has become a whole new symbolic function.”–David Kerekes Editor, Headpress

“Well-reasoned and insightful...substantial critical writing....She makes valid points in a way that is entertaining and persuasive.”–Steve Biodrowski West Coast Editor, Cinefantastique

About the Author

MIKITA BROTTMAN is Lecturer in Communication Studies at the University of East London.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (July 30, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031330033X
• ISBN-13: 978-0313300332
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,228,383 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even those that aren't fans of the genre will love this book, October 22, 2000

By 

marc sorrells "mercsor" (Hermitage, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Offensive Films: Toward an Anthropology of Cinema Vomitif (Contributions to the Study of Science Fiction and Fantasy) (Hardcover)

Offensive films is the definative scourse for info on the movies of Binema Vomitif. The only book of its kind on these kinds of flicks, it is original in the fact that it doesn't just give a run down of the films, but a complete history of its making, the makers, and its impact on the genere in general. For those who love these types of films for any reason. GREAT.