Horror Films for Children: Fear and Pleasure in American Cinema

Horror films for children are a unique category of contemporary Hollywood cinema that addresses children as an audience with specific needs, fears, and desires, and where child characters are represented as sympathetic protagonists. Catherine Lester examines the history, aesthetics, and generic characteristics of these films, and identifies the 'horrific child' as one of the defining features of the genre. Through analysis of case studies, she asks what happens to the horror genre and the horrific children it represents when children are the target audience.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Children and horror are often seen as an unlikely combination, with concerns about children being negatively influenced by exposure to horror media. However, horror for children is a distinct genre in contemporary Hollywood cinema that addresses children as a unique audience with specific needs, fears, and desires. One of the defining features of this genre is the "horrific child" villain, which is a staple in both adult and child horror films. However, the representation and interpretation of the horrific child in children's horror films differ significantly from those in adult horror.
Horror Films for Children explores the history, aesthetics, and generic characteristics of children's horror films, highlighting the "horrific child" as one of the genre's defining features. The book examines case studies of blockbuster hits, cult favourites, and indie darlings, such as Gremlins, The Monster Squad, and Coraline, to understand how the horror genre and its horrific children are portrayed when children are the target audience. Catherine Lester asks, what happens to the horror genre and its horrific children when children are the target audience?
One of the key aspects of horror films for children is the way in which children are represented as sympathetic protagonists. Unlike in adult horror films, where the horrific child is often portrayed as a villain or a threat, children in children's horror films are often portrayed as relatable and vulnerable. This allows children to identify with the characters and their experiences, making the horror experience more immersive and meaningful.
Another important aspect of horror films for children is the way in which the horror is portrayed. While adult horror films often rely on graphic violence and gore to create fear, children's horror films often use more subtle and psychological techniques to create fear. This can include using suspense, tension, and atmosphere to create a sense of unease and dread.
Horror films for children also often explore themes that are relevant to children's lives, such as fear, anxiety, and bullying. These themes can be addressed in a way that is both engaging and educational, helping children to understand and cope with these issues.
However, it is important to note that horror films for children should be approached with caution. While they can be a valuable tool for teaching children about fear and other emotions, they can also be harmful if not handled properly. Parents should be aware of the content of the films and should monitor their children's viewing habits.
In conclusion, horror films for children are a unique genre in contemporary Hollywood cinema that addresses children as a unique audience with specific needs, fears, and desires. The "horrific child" villain is one of the defining features of the genre, but the representation and interpretation of the horrific child in children's horror films differ significantly from those in adult horror. Horror films for children can be a valuable tool for teaching children about fear and other emotions, but they should be approached with caution and monitored by parents. By understanding the history, aesthetics, and generic characteristics of children's horror films, we can better appreciate the impact that these films have on children and the broader cultural landscape.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350135260