Return of the Monstrous-Feminine: Feminist New Wave Cinema

The Return of the Monstrous-Feminine explores a significant change that has occurred over the past two decades in the representation of the monstrous-feminine in visual discourse. It takes particular interest in women directors who create the figure of the Monstrous-Feminine, in cinema that foregrounds everyday horrors in addition to classic horror. These films center on different forms of revolt, from inner revolt to social, supernatural, and violent revolt, which appear in Feminist New Wave Cinema. These theoretical discourses have played a key role in influencing Feminist New Wave Cinema, whose films are distinctive, stylish, and diverse.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 27 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Monstrous-Feminine, a groundbreaking analysis of contemporary films that delve into social justice issues such as women's equality, violence against women, queer relationships, race, and the plight of the planet and its multi-species, takes a fascinating follow-up. In this comprehensive exploration, author Creed delves into a significant shift that has occurred over the past two decades in the representation of the monstrous-feminine in visual discourse. The Monstrous-Feminine emerges as a figure on a rebellious journey, navigating through the treacherous depths of abjection. Creed's attention is particularly drawn to women directors who skillfully create this enigmatic figure, particularly in films that forefront everyday horrors alongside classic horror. The Return of the Monstrous-Feminine encompasses a diverse range of films, including The Babadook, A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night, Nomadland, Carol, Raw, Revenge, and the television series The Handmaids Tale. These films showcase various forms of revolt, ranging from inner turmoil to social, supernatural, and even violent upheavals, which are central to the essence of Feminist New Wave Cinema. These revolutions are intricately linked to the emergence of a multitude of social protest movements that have gained momentum in the new millennium, giving voice to novel theoretical and critical discourses. These include third and fourth wave feminism, the #MeToo movement, queer theory, race theory, the critique of anthropocentrism, and human animal theory. These theoretical frameworks have played a pivotal role in shaping Feminist New Wave Cinema, which is characterized by its distinctive style, sophistication, and diversity.

This comprehensive companion to the original classic text is an invaluable resource for students enrolled in Gender and Media, Gender and Horror, Gender and Film, and Feminist Film theory courses. It provides a deep understanding of the evolving representation of the monstrous-feminine in visual discourse and its profound impact on society. By examining the films featured in The Return of the Monstrous-Feminine, students can gain insights into the complex interplay between gender, power, and representation, and how these themes are explored in the context of social justice issues. This book is a testament to Creed's expertise in the field and offers a valuable contribution to the study of gender and media.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 153 x 234 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367478162