W. Scott Poole

Dark Carnivals is a fascinating interdisciplinary work that is a study of the horror of the American Empire and how this real world horror is reflected through the lens of the horror genre. It's a well written book, one that is quite sobering. Poole uses film history, media theory, philosophy, and history to deliver a condemnation of capitalism and American Empire. Poole argues that our entertainment - from The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Jaws, and The Twilight Zone to recent films like The Purge - reflect our political and cultural state of being. He provides persuasive commentary on the political inflections and emotional appeal of both well-known and obscure horror films. He is particularly insightful in probing such cultural touchstones as The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Jaws, and The Twilight Zone. You can tell he is a fan of the genre, an astute student of American history, and a critic of Empire.
I have to say, I tend to agree with Poole's views on the pitfalls of America and how our evils are often exposed and regurgitated through film.
I found Dark Carnivals to be a fascinating work, echoing things I have often thought about in regards to Horror and the American Empire.
If you want to learn more about the evolution of horror/sci-fi horror genre and American politics post WWII - this is the book for you.… (mehr)

There is much of interest in Poole's survey of post-WWI horror in both film and print, but he definitely overreaches, and when he starts to comment on larger matters, even when his instincts are correct, the book turns even more preachy than the tone it uses throughout. Still, this will make you take a look at Nosferatu, The Cabinet of Doctor Calagari, and a few other films you have heard of but never watched or watched once long ago before you knew what you were seeing. There are a few factual errors I noticed, but they were small. The audiobook narrator, whose tone is a bit annoying--maybe it isn't the author himself--misreads a word here and there as well. Still, recommended as a serious study of horror. And if it gets you to look at the works of artist Otto Dix online, it will have paid you back many times for your investment of time.… (mehr)

Dark Carnivals : Modern Horror + The Origins of American Empire
by: W. Scott Poole
Penguin Random House
due October 2022
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#netgalley #DarkCarnivals

Thanks to netgalley, Penguin Random House Books and W. Scott Polle for sending this ARC e-book for review.

A reflection and exploration of how society has tried to hide the darker parts of our own history, and past, and how horror movies have mirrored that history. Americans love horror movies, because so much of our history is rooted in violence, its much easier to stow fear and hate than love. Beginning with the Native American Massacres, Pooles exhaustive and extensive research reaches deep into our nations history to help us understand the correlation between our violent past, and the tropes of horror movies. Poole uses many horror themed books and movies as examples, the narrative is easy to follow and understand.
Engaging and challenging, this book will leave you with alot to think about. Everyone should read this-----horror fans, history buffs will especially enjoy this. It is an excellent historical reference.… (mehr)