Simmons, D. (2011) Hammer Horror and science fiction. In: Hochscherf, T. and Leggott, J. (eds.) British Science Fiction Film and Television: Critical Essays. North Carolina: McFarland. pp. 50-59.
- Information
Information
Abstract:
Though the last five years have witnessed a growth in critical discussion of the Horror output of the British Hammer film studio, there is little analysis of the role that science fiction has played in its output. Perhaps as a result of both the studio’s predominance of overtly melodramatic horror productions and the need for dominant critical hegemonies to create convenient taxonomies, critics have ignored the science fiction content of many of the films released by the studio. This chapter addresses this failing, arguing; through an analysis of Hammer’s changing depictions of the Quatermass and Frankenstein figures, that the studio maintained a belief in the commercial viability of science fiction, with much of its most respected work drawing upon the genre’s tropes and iconography. Indeed, Hammer’s commitment to the genre only faltered entirely with the general decline of the studio during the 1970s, up to this point, the studio frequently infused its most successful films with science fiction content.
Subjects:
Creators:
Simmons, D.
Editors:
Hochscherf, T. and Leggott, J.
Publisher:
McFarland
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Education & Humanities > English and Creative Writing
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for Critical and Creative Writing
Faculties > Faculty of Education & Humanities > English and Creative Writing
Research Centres > Centre for Critical and Creative Writing
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for Critical and Creative Writing
Faculties > Faculty of Education & Humanities > English and Creative Writing
Research Centres > Centre for Critical and Creative Writing
Date:
15 March 2011
Date Type:
Publication
Page Range:
pp. 50-59
Title of Book:
British Science Fiction Film and Television: Critical Essays
Series Name:
Critical explorations in science fiction and fantasy
Volume:
29
Place of Publication:
North Carolina
Number of Pages:
227
Language:
English
ISBN:
9780786446216
Status:
Published / Disseminated
 |