Mönster med Monster : En kritisk diskursanalys om anomalier, liminalitet och genus i fyra skräckfilmer mellan åren 1984-1994

• Main Authors: Hassel, Sebastian, Holmsen, Dagny, Heldt, Jonna
• Format: Others
• Language: Swedish
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: skräckfilm; anomalier; liminalitet; genus
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hh:diva-29217

The purpose of this essay is to examine if theories that derive from Comparative Religion can be applied to horror films. Can theories such as Victor Turner ’s liminal stages or Mary Douglas’ theories on anomalies clarify, to some extent, why horror movies construct unholy scenarios where filth and the breaking of taboo is essential, or why monsters tend to dwell in, as well as being, a liminal phase or a grey area? Can these theories shed some light on why monsters tend to be twofold? We also aim to examine how gender roles are constructed and portrayed in horror films. As a means of reaching our agenda we have chosen four horror films in a span of ten years, between 1984-1994. By applying a critical discourse analysis to our empirical material we will reveal that all four films carry out a bias gender construction towards women, as well as a recurring usage of anomalies and liminal stages. The four films are A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Fly, Child’s Play and Interview with the Vampire.