Grand-Guignol Cinema and the Horror Genre: Sinister Tableaux of Dread, Corporeality and the Senses

Grand-Gugignol Cinema and the Horror Genre explores the contributions of Parisian Grand-Guignol theatres to the development of horror cinema in the twentieth century, focusing on the immersive and corporeal aspects of the genre. The book restores a long Grand-Guignol tradition in cinema and offers new theorizations of horror by bringing seemingly disparate traditions into conversation. It highlights the importance of American, Canadian, French, and Italian cinema in the development of Grand-Guignol genres and movements, such as the slasher, "French Films of Sensation," Canadian "body horror," and the giallo.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 14 February 2023
Publisher: Anthem Press

The Grand-Guignol Cinema and the Horror Genre delves into the profound contributions of the Parisian Grand-Guignol theatres during their Golden Age as essential theoretical frameworks for understanding the evolution of horror cinema in the 20th century. This comprehensive study explores the key elements of the Grand-Guignol stage as a means to delve into the immersive and corporeal aspects of horror cinema, spanning from the sound era to the present day. By examining the Grand-Guignol not only as a historical site and genre but also as a conceptual framework, this book offers a unique perspective on the Grand-Guignol's affective mapping within the realm of cinema.

This study's restoration of a long-standing Grand-Guignol tradition in cinema constitutes a significant contribution to the emerging field of horror theory. It brings together diverse traditions, including American, Canadian, French, and Italian cinema, as crucial sites for exploring cinematic embodiment. These four countries have each developed their own distinct genres and movements within Grand-Guignol cinema, such as the slasher, the "French Films of Sensation," Canadian "body horror," and the giallo. The Grand-Guignol, renowned for its operation in a dead-end street in the Pigalle district of Paris, offers a fresh and affective interpretation that expands beyond the limitations of psychoanalytic readings, which have historically dominated the study of horror genres.

Through its meticulous exploration, The Grand-Guignol Cinema and the Horror Genre sheds light on the intricate connections between embodiment, affect, and the horror genre. It provides a rich tapestry of historical, theoretical, and cinematic insights that deepen our understanding of the genre's evolution and its enduring impact on popular culture. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike, offering a fresh perspective on the horror genre and its enduring appeal.

Weight: 560g
Dimension: 158 x 236 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839980961