Women, Monstrosity and Horror Film: Gynaehorror

Women have a prominent role in horror films, which explore the complexities of boundaries and othering. This book examines "gynaehorror" films that focus on female reproductive horror, exploring themes such as the intersection of horror, monstrosity, and sexual difference, the relationships between normative female sexuality and the voracious vagina dentata, embodiment and subjectivity, reproductive technologies, monstrous motherhood, and the relationships between menopause, menstruation, hagsploitation, and "abject barren bodies." It offers a feminist interrogation of gynaehorror and a counter-reading of the gynaehorrific, providing new insights into the study of women in horror film and popular culture, gender, and film philosophy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 17 January 2019
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Women have a unique and significant presence in the realm of horror films, which are characterized by their blend of entertainment, excitement, and terror. Horror is a genre that thrives on exploring the complexities that arise when boundaries, such as taste, bodies, and reason, are blurred and dismantled. It serves as a platform for expression and exploration, leveraging the narrative and aesthetic horrors associated with reproductive, maternal, and sexual themes to expose the underlying social, political, and philosophical othering of women.

In this book, we delve into the intricate world of women in horror films through the lens of "gynaehorror." Gynaecological horror encompasses a wide range of films that explore all aspects of female reproductive horror, including reproductive and sexual organs, virginity, pregnancy, birth, motherhood, and menopause. Some of the themes explored in this book include:

The intersection of horror, monstrosity, and sexual difference: Gynaecological horror often blurs the lines between the normal and the monstrous, challenging traditional notions of gender and sexuality. It explores the ways in which female reproductive organs and experiences are feared, fetishized, and exploited, often in ways that perpetuate harmful stereotypes and norms.

The relationships between normative female (hetero)sexuality and the twin figures of the chaste virgin and the voracious vagina dentata: Gynaecological horror often juxtaposes the concept of normative female sexuality with the monstrous and fearsome vagina dentata. This figure represents the male fear of female sexuality and power, as well as the cultural belief that women are dangerous and untrustworthy.

Embodiment and subjectivity in horror films about pregnancy and abortion: Pregnancy and abortion are common themes in gynaecological horror, as they evoke powerful emotions and experiences related to embodiment and subjectivity. These films often explore the physical and psychological toll of these experiences, as well as the societal and political implications of reproductive rights.

Reproductive technologies, monstrosity, and 'mad science': Gynaecological horror often incorporates elements of reproductive technologies, such as artificial insemination, cloning, and genetic engineering. These technologies are often portrayed as dangerous and unpredictable, leading to monstrous outcomes that challenge the boundaries of what is considered natural and human.

The discursive construction and interrogation of monstrous motherhood: Gynaecological horror often explores the concept of monstrous motherhood, which refers to the fear and revulsion towards women who are perceived as being too maternal or nurturing. These films often challenge the traditional notions of motherhood and femininity, highlighting the complexities and contradictions of maternal roles.

The relationships between menopause, menstruation, hagsploitation, and 'abject barren bodies in horror': Menopause, menstruation, and hagsploitation are often intertwined in gynaecological horror, as they are often portrayed as symbols of vulnerability, weakness, and disgust. These films often explore the ways in which women are subjected to discrimination and marginalization based on their reproductive experiences, as well as the ways in which they resist and subvert these norms.

This book offers an in-depth analysis of women in horror films through the lens of "gynaehorror." It provides a feminist interrogation of gynaecological horror, challenging the traditional narratives and stereotypes that have been perpetuated in the genre. At the same time, it offers a counter-reading of the gynaechorrific, which both accounts for and opens up new spaces of productive, radical, and subversive monstrosity within a mode of representation and expression that has often been accused of being misogynistic.

By exploring the complexities of women's experiences in horror films, this book makes a unique contribution to the study of women in horror film specifically. It also provides new insights into the broader area of popular culture, gender, and film philology, challenging readers to think critically about the ways in which horror films shape our understanding of gender, sexuality, and power.

Weight: 456g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367208066