Diseased Cinema: Plagues, Pandemics and Zombies in American Movies

American movies about infectious diseases have reflected and driven dominant cultural narratives, shifting from contained outbreaks to globalized pandemics and minimizing human differences to advance contemporary American capitalism. They have influenced reactions to the Covid pandemic, emphasizing individual responsibility as the solution.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

American movies about infectious diseases have played a significant role in shaping and reflecting dominant cultural narratives over the past century. These movies, which range from real pandemics to imagined zombie outbreaks, have gained immense popularity since the turn of the 21st century. Initially, they focused on contained outbreaks, but they have evolved to depict globalized, uncontainable pandemics of unknown origin. The narratives in these movies have shifted from identifying and solving social problems to a sense of despair and acceptance of America's failure to fulfill its historic social contract.

Moreover, American movies about infectious diseases have reflected and driven developments in American capitalism. They have increasingly advocated for individuals and their families rather than communities and the public good. Disease movies today minimize human differences and envision a utopian new world order to advance the needs of contemporary American capitalism. These movie narratives have significantly shaped reactions to the outbreak of COVID-19 and reinforced the idea that individual responsibility is the key to ending the pandemic.

In conclusion, American movies about infectious diseases have had a profound impact on American culture and society. They have reflected and driven dominant cultural narratives, shaped reactions to the outbreak of COVID-19, and reflected developments in American capitalism. While these movies have provided entertainment and education, they have also contributed to a sense of despair and acceptance of America's failure to fulfill its historic social contract. As we continue to navigate the challenges of infectious diseases, it is important to consider the impact of these movies on our society and to work towards a more equitable and just world.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399521666