American Twilight: The Cinema of Tobe Hooper

Tobe Hooper, a master of gritty horror, explored America's internal decay through his films, challenging perceptions of prosperity and domestic security. His works featured complex monsters and disrupted American institutions and media, exploring masculine anxiety and subverting the idea of American exceptionalism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2021
Publisher: University of Texas Press

Tobe Hooper, a master of gritty horror, delved into the depths of American society, unveiling the country's internal decay and challenging prevailing myths of prosperity. Through his cinematic lens, he portrayed a nation in constant crisis, casting a critical eye on the societal turmoil that engulfed it. Despite often being dismissed as a one-hit wonder, thanks to his 1974 horror classic "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," Hooper's impact on the horror genre was profound. He played a significant role in shaping a robust and politically charged horror genre from the 1960s until his passing in 2017.

In their book "American Twilight," the authors argue that Hooper was an auteur whose works featured intricate monsters and disrupted the American perception of prosperity and domestic security. The book delves into the skepticism towards American institutions and media, as well as the exploration of uncanny spaces that were central to Hooper's diverse body of work, encompassing feature films, documentaries, made-for-television movies, television episodes, and music videos.

From his early film "Egg Shells" (1969) to his later masterpieces like "Poltergeist" (1982), "Djinn" (2013), and even Billy Idol's music video for "Dancing with Myself" (1985), Hooper showcased a singular directorial vision that delved into masculine anxiety and subverted the notion of American exceptionalism. His films explored the darker corners of human nature, challenging societal norms and pushing the boundaries of horror.

Through his work, Hooper not only entertained but also provoked thought and conversation about the state of American society. He left an indelible mark on the horror genre, inspiring generations of filmmakers and fans alike. His legacy continues to haunt and captivate audiences, reminding us of the power of cinema to explore the depths of human darkness and shed light on the societal issues that plague us.

Weight: 614g
Dimension: 163 x 235 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781477322833