Reanimated: The Contemporary American Horror Remake

Reanimated examines twenty-first-century American horror film remakes as intertextual adaptations that have influenced and shaped the genre since 2000, challenging the critical view of them as derivative rip-offs. It covers a range of films and identifies distinct cycles, production strategies, and reception patterns, demonstrating the genre's capacity for creative recycling, adaptation, and evolution.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Reanimated presents a fresh take on the revival of American horror films in the twenty-first century. Contrary to the widespread criticism of genre remakes as mere derivative reproductions, Mee approaches these films as intertextual adaptations that have both borrowed from and contributed to the evolution of horror since the year 2000. Spanning a range of films, from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) to Candyman (2021), this book explores the significance of remakes in contemporary horror cinema, highlighting distinct cycles, production strategies, and patterns of reception. By demonstrating the importance of remakes to the genre, Reanimated addresses key cultural, industry, and reception contexts. Instead of heralding the demise of horror, Reanimated contends that remaking serves as a testament to the genre's remarkable capacity for creative recycling, adaptation, and evolution.

Introduction:
The revival of American horror films in the twenty-first century has been a subject of much debate and criticism. While some view it as a sign of the genre's decline, others argue that it offers a fresh perspective and opportunity for creative reimagining. Reanimated, a book by Mee, seeks to explore this revival from a different angle, examining the films as intertextual adaptations that have both drawn from and helped to shape horror since 2000.
Countering Critical Dismissal:
Mee challenges the notion that genre remakes are mere derivative rip-offs by positioning them as intertextual adaptations. She argues that these films not only borrow elements from their predecessors but also contribute to the evolution of horror by incorporating new ideas and subgenres. Mee's approach emphasizes the significance of remakes in contemporary horror cinema, highlighting their role in shaping the genre and influencing the direction of future horror films.
Film Analysis:
Reanimated covers a wide range of films, from classic horror remakes such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) to more recent adaptations like Candyman (2021). Mee analyzes these films in detail, identifying distinct cycles, production strategies, and patterns of reception. She explores how remakes have adapted and reinterpreted the original films, while also incorporating contemporary themes and aesthetics.
Significance of Remakes:
Mee argues that remakes are crucial to contemporary horror cinema, as they demonstrate the genre's capacity for creative recycling, adaptation, and evolution. By reimagining familiar stories and characters, remakes can breathe new life into the genre and appeal to a broader audience. Moreover, remakes can address cultural and societal issues that were relevant in the original films but may have become more relevant in the present day.
Cultural and Industry Contexts:
Reanimated also examines the cultural and industry contexts that have influenced the revival of American horror films. Mee discusses the impact of globalization, technology, and the changing attitudes towards horror on the production and reception of these films. She explores how remakes have responded to these contexts, both by adapting to new trends and by challenging traditional conventions.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Reanimated offers a valuable contribution to the study of horror cinema. By challenging the critical dismissal of genre remakes and positioning them as intertextual adaptations, Mee provides a fresh perspective on the revival of American horror films. Through detailed analysis of a range of films, she demonstrates the significance of remakes in contemporary horror cinema, highlighting their capacity for creative recycling, adaptation, and evolution. Reanimated is a must-read for anyone interested in the genre and its ongoing evolution.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 241 x 163 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474440646