Horror Films of the 1980s

June 15, 2007
Muir again plunges into the dark, following his "Horror Films of the 1970s" (McFarland, 2002), named an ALA Outstanding Reference Source in 2003. Appropriate to the so-called era of greed, he has this time added more of everything: films, background, appendixes, and critical analyses. Part 1 provides a concise, overarching summary of the decade's social and political climate; juxtaposed photos of President Ronald Reagan and "A Nightmare on Elm Street"'s Freddy Krueger encapsulate the period's startling contradictions. Part 2 then details the paradigms and conventions of the slasher subgenre and includes organizing principles, character archetypes, and common scenarios. The bulk of the volume lives in Part 3, wherein some 300 American films (and several significant representative foreign films) are listed by decade and rated on a four-star system. A time line highlighting noteworthy current events accompanies each year and is followed by ample, witty, well-versed entries on films ranging from "Poltergeist" and "Aliens" to "Cellar Dweller" and "Hide and Go Shriek". Each entry includes a cast and crew listing, a synopsis, and a commentary; many begin with a "Critical Reception" section that contains excerpts from published or original reviews by one of Muir's six invited guest critics. Some entries also come with a "P.O.V." section of insight from the filmmaker; a "Legacy" noting homages and sequels; a "Close-Up," usually an expanded interview with the film's director; and an "Incantation," a memorable quote from the film. Included among the seven appendixes are "1980s Horror Conventions," "Memorable Ad Lines," and the author's ranking of the 15 best horror films of the decade. BOTTOM LINE The summary in Part 1 would befit a college history lecture; the book as a whole is highly recommended for any serious public or academic library's film studies collection.Kathleen Collins, NYU Bobst Lib.

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2013

Arranged alphabetically by year, 300 films from the "Dead Teenager Decade" are summarized, quoted, and reviewed as acclaimed author Muir (Eaten Alive at a Chainsaw Massacre: The Films of Tobe Hooper; Wes Craven: The Art of Horror) directs his gaze toward scary movies of all types. Providing plot synopses, "Critical Reception," cast and crew credits, and his own critical commentary, Muir successfully brings the best and the worst of the '80s back from the dead. Black-and-white movie stills and colorful one-liners punch up entries. From the Halloween-esque slasher flicks to obscure cinematic campfests like 1985's From Beyond, fans of the horror genre are sure to find something to scream about. VERDICT For academic collections supporting a film-studies curriculum.

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.