Fear Before the Fall: Horror Films in the Late Soviet Union

Late Soviet citizens were haunted by alienation,generational tensions, rampant nationalism, and atomic danger, which are reflected in the films meant to represent their horror genre. The ascent of horror occurred in conjunction with an increasingly scary and alienated world, and horror reflected those freights in the form of nuclear holocausts, toxic waste pollution, alien clown invaders, and undead houseguests.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 27 January 2023
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing

Late Soviet citizens were plagued by alienation, generational tensions, rampant nationalism, and the ever-present threat of atomic danger, which found expression in the horror genre of films. During the late 1970s and 1980s, the production of horror movies from both independent filmmakers and Hollywood experienced a significant surge. This period coincided with the intense Cold War conflict and a resurgence of conservative ideals. It is not hard to imagine that the rise of horror occurred in tandem with an increasingly frightening and alienated world, and horror films reflected these fears through nuclear holocausts, toxic waste pollution, alien clown invasions, and undead houseguests. Everyone, including teenagers, was at risk due to the uncertainty surrounding their present and future.

If we can accept that these emotions were prevalent among American viewers during the Reagan and neo-liberal eras, then what about late socialism? How did film makers portray the fears of Soviet society?

Alienation and Isolation:

The late Soviet era was characterized by a sense of alienation and isolation, with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the emergence of new political and economic systems. This sense of dislocation was reflected in the horror genre, with films exploring the themes of loneliness, isolation, and the fear of the unknown.

Generational Tensions:

The late Soviet era saw significant generational tensions, with the younger generation seeking to break free from the strict social norms and restrictions imposed by the older generation. This tension was often depicted in horror films, with characters facing opposition from their parents, teachers, and society as a whole.

Rampant Nationalism:

The late Soviet era was characterized by rampant nationalism, with the government promoting a sense of national pride and identity. This nationalism was often expressed through the horror genre, with films depicting the threat of foreign invaders, terrorist attacks, and other forms of national insecurity.

Pervasiveness of Atomic Danger:

The late Soviet era was marked by the pervasiveness of atomic danger, with the threat of nuclear war and the potential for nuclear accidents always looming large. This fear was reflected in the horror genre, with films exploring the aftermath of nuclear disasters, the effects of radiation poisoning, and the psychological toll of living in a world constantly threatened by atomic danger.

Conclusion:

The horror genre in the late Soviet era was a reflection of the fears and anxieties of the citizens of the Soviet Union. Alienation, generational tensions, rampant nationalism, and the pervasiveness of atomic danger were all topics that haunted late Soviet citizens, and these fears were reflected in the films meant to represent their horror genre. The rise of horror occurred in tandem with an increasingly scary and alienated world, and horror films reflected those freights in the form of nuclear holocausts, toxic waste pollution, alien clown invasions, and undead houseguests. Everyone, including teenagers, was at risk due to the uncertainty surrounding their present and future.

Weight: 176g
Dimension: 140 x 214 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789049794