Uncanny Histories in Film and Media

The book "Uncanny Histories in Film and Media" explores the uncanny twists and turns that are often occluded in larger accounts of film and media, using fresh archival research and new conceptual approaches to probe the uncanny as a mode of historical analysis. It challenges our inherited narratives and disturbances of what was once familiar.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 17 June 2022
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

Uncanny Histories in Film and Media is a captivating collection of esteemed and emerging scholars who delve into the enigmatic twists and turns that often go unnoticed in broader accounts of film and media. Fueled by fresh archival discoveries and innovative conceptual frameworks, the featured works explore the uncanny as a mode of historical analysis that unveils unexpected connections and unsettling continuities. The uncanny represents what frequently escapes our grasp, what remains unfamiliar, mysterious, or strange. Whether discussing film movements, individual works, or the legacies of prominent or forgotten critics and theorists, the contributors underscore that at the core of the uncanny lies a disturbance of definitions, a challenge to our inherited narratives, and a disruption of what once felt familiar within the uncanny histories of our field.

The contributors to Uncanny Histories in Film and Media remind us that the writing of history, and indeed the study of the uncanny, is inherently disruptive. They challenge us to redefine our understanding of what we consider familiar and to question the narratives that have shaped our collective memory. Through their meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, they shed light on the ways in which the uncanny has permeated various aspects of film and media, from the early silent films to contemporary digital platforms.

One of the key themes explored in the collection is the relationship between the uncanny and power. The contributors argue that the uncanny has often been used as a tool to subvert and challenge dominant narratives and power structures. They examine how filmmakers and media producers have employed the uncanny to critique social norms, question authority, and challenge the status quo. For example, the works discuss how horror films have been used to explore the fears and anxieties of marginalized communities, how surrealist art has challenged conventional notions of reality, and how feminist media has subverted traditional gender roles.

Another important aspect of the collection is the role of technology in shaping the uncanny. The contributors explore how advancements in film and media technology have contributed to the evolution of the uncanny. They discuss how digital technologies have enabled filmmakers to create increasingly realistic and immersive experiences, how artificial intelligence has been used to create unsettling and uncanny characters, and how the internet has facilitated the spread of uncanny content and phenomena.

The collection also highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the study of the uncanny. The contributors draw on a range of theoretical frameworks, including psychoanalysis, cultural studies, and history, to analyze the uncanny. They argue that the uncanny is not solely a matter of individual experience but is also deeply embedded in cultural and social contexts. They explore how the uncanny has been shaped by historical events, cultural movements, and societal norms, and how it continues to evolve in response to changing technologies, ideologies, and cultural practices.

In conclusion, Uncanny Histories in Film and Media is a groundbreaking collection that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the uncanny. Through its exploration of the enigmatic twists and turns that often go unnoticed in broader accounts of film and media, the collection challenges us to redefine our understanding of what we consider familiar and to question the narratives that have shaped our collective memory. The contributions of the scholars featured in this collection are invaluable, and they will undoubtedly inspire further research and discussion in the field.

Weight: 334g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978829947