Horror Unmasked - by Brad Weismann (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Nightmares Alive offers a general introduction to the popular film genre, serves as a guidebook to its film highlights, and celebrates its practitioners, trends, and stories."--

Book Synopsis

From the silent-film era to the blockbusters of today, Horror Unmasked is a fun-filled, highly illustrated dive into the past influences and present popularity of the horror film genre.

The horror film's pop-culture importance is undeniable, from its early influences to today's most significant and exciting developments in the genre. Since 1990, the production of horror films has risen exponentially worldwide, resulting in impressive ticket sales in the modern day, not to mention how the genre has expanded into books, fashion, music, and other media throughout the world.

Horror has long been the most popular film genre, and more horror movies have been made than any other kind. We need them. We need to be scared, to test ourselves, laugh inappropriately, scream, and flinch. We need to get through them and come out, blinking, still in one piece. This comprehensive guide features:

• A thorough discussion on monster movies and B-movies (The Thing; It Came from Outer Space; The Blob)
• The destruction of the American censorship system (Blood Feast; The Night of the Living Dead; The Texas Chainsaw Massacre)
• International horror, zombies, horror comedies, and horror in the new millennium (Matango; Suspiria; Ghostbusters)
• A dissection of the critical reception of modern horror (Neon Demon; Pan's Labyrinth; Funny Games)
• Stunning movie posters and film stills, plus fan-made tributes to some of the most lauded horror franchises in the world (Aliens; the Evil Dead; The Hills Have Eyes; Scream)

A perfect reference and informational book for horror fans and those interested in its cultural influence worldwide, Horror Unmasked provides a general introduction to the genre, serves as a guidebook to its film highlights, and celebrates its practitioners, trends, and stories.

Review Quotes

"Weismann masterfully underscores the essential role horror films play in our lives. Horror Unmasked is more than just a book; it's a portal into the heart of the horror genre. As a comprehensive reference and guidebook, it unveils the genre's finest cinematic moments, celebrates its visionary creators, and highlights its ever-evolving trends...essential to any horror aficionado's collection."--Gothic Bite Magazine

"...strikes a commendable balance between sure-footed historicity, global sweep, effortless didacticism, and a celebration of all that is joyous in a genre that can sometimes be quite grim. Weismann has pulled off an enviable trick, producing a treat that renders the pleasures of the spooky season a perennial affair."--Locus Mag

"Horror Unmasked" is not just a book for avid horror fans; it's a comprehensive and highly illustrated exploration of the genre's history dissected by an author who is not only an expert but also a passionate enthusiast.--Colorado Hometown Weekly

"This beautifully constructed 200+ page hardcover book encapsulates an extensive and comprehensive timeline of horror's history on film. As a reading experience, think about walking down the blood-soaked museum halls and terrorizing wings of the genre in every decade and then exploring the significance and impact movement of the sub-genre collections of styles (i.e. slasher, found footage, possession) within them. All with Weisman acting as your expert voice and tour guide."--The Reel Vision

"Horror Unmasked: A History of Terror from Nosferatu to Nope is an excellent book. It addresses the horror film genre from a comfortable and accessible direction, providing a wide-ranging and extensive overview of the genre. Fans of horror cinema, old and new, will want to own this book and display it prominently in their collection."--Cemetary Dance

"...an introspective examination of the films, filmmakers, and regions that have created and continue to influence the modern horror genre, Horror Unmasked is one history that you should own."--Nick Banks, ConSkipper

"...a great history of horror that spans both time and the globe...allows readers to find plenty of great recommendations and learn why these horror films are important to the legacy of the genre. Context is king, and Horror Unmasked lives up to its billing of providing a history of terror from Nosferatu to Nope."
--ComingSoon.net

"Well-researched text and quality film poster art make for great, spooky bed-time reading."--Creammagazine.com

"...will be sure to keep new horror fans up at night...an admirable effort that will undoubtedly give a budding horror fan a ton of fun homework."--MovieJawn.com

"Considering the massive scope, this photobook is surprisingly succinct, informative, and helpful as an overview of horror films."

--Kevin Howell, Library Journal

About the Author

Brad Weismann is an award-winning writer and editor. His work has appeared in such publications as Senses of Cinema, Film International, Backstage, Muso, Parterre, 5280, and Boulder Magazine. His first book, Lost in the Dark: A World History of Horror Film was published by the University Press of Mississippi. He contributed to the critical collection 100 Years of Soviet Cinema, and he was chosen by the Library of Congress to contribute explanatory essays to its National Recording Registry.