Horror Noire: A History of Black American Horror from the 1890s to Present

This book explores the history of Black horror from the 1890s to the present, examining key levels of Black participation on screen and behind the camera. It addresses a full range of Black horror films, including mainstream Hollywood fare, art-house films, Blaxploitation films, and U.S. hip-hop culture-inspired Nollywood films. It argues that horror offers a unique representational space for Black people to challenge negative or racist portrayals and to portray greater diversity within the concept of Blackness itself.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 380 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

From the iconic King Kong to the chilling Candyman, the genre of horror film has long been a fertile ground for exploring the complex and often fraught relationship between race and American popular culture. In this comprehensive and meticulously researched second edition, Robin R. Means Coleman delves deeper into the history of Black horror, spanning from the 1890s to the present day.

Expanding upon the original edition, Coleman examines the evolution of notable characterizations of Blackness in horror cinema, with new chapters covering the 1960s, 2000s, and 2010s to the present. He also explores key levels of Black participation on screen and behind the camera, shedding light on the roles and contributions of Black actors, directors, and producers in the genre.

The book encompasses a wide range of Black horror films, including mainstream Hollywood productions, art-house films, Blaxploitation films, and U.S. hip-hop culture-inspired Nollywood films. It delves into the themes, narratives, and cultural significance of these films, providing a nuanced and insightful analysis of the Black horror genre.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the resurgence of the Black horror genre in recent years. Coleman examines the success of Jordan Peele's films, Get Out (2017) and Us (2019), as well as smaller independent films such as The House Invictus (2018) and Nia DaCosta's sequel to Candyman (2021). He argues that horror offers a unique representational space for Black people to challenge negative or racist portrayals and to portray greater diversity within the concept of Blackness itself.

Through his analysis, Coleman demonstrates how fears and anxieties about race and race relations are made manifest on the silver screen, often challenged and subverted by the narratives and characters presented in these films. He also highlights the ways in which Black horror films have contributed to the broader discourse on race and identity, providing a platform for Black creators to express their perspectives and experiences.

This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand how fears and anxieties about race and race relations are made manifest, and often challenged, on the silver screen. It offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the Black horror genre, providing valuable insights into its historical development, cultural significance, and ongoing relevance. Whether you are a fan of horror films or a scholar interested in the intersection of race and popular culture, this book will undoubtedly enrich your understanding of the genre and its impact on society.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367704407
Edition number: 2 ed