Horror Joy

In this episode of Horror Joy, we're venturing into the cold, dark depths of space to explore Ridley Scott's iconic sci-fi horror masterpiece, Alien.We'll delve into the film's terrifying themes, including:The Alien as the Ultimate Other: How the alien creature embodies our fears of the unknown and the uncanny.Body Horror and the Violation of the Human Form: The film's disturbing exploration of birth, death, and the body.Corporate Greed and Existential Threat: The role of capitalism and technology in creating the conditions for the alien's emergence.The Heroine's Journey: Ripley's evolution from a resourceful crew member to a hardened warrior.So, buckle up and prepare for a terrifying journey. Just remember, in space, no one can hear you scream.Elaine Graham Post/HumanRaymond WilliamsFrederick JamesonJulia Kristeva, AbjectionHorror in Space: Critical Essays on a Film Subgenre by edited by Michele Brittany

Sometimes, the most terrifying monsters aren't lurking in the shadows, but in the very heart of our world. In this episode of Horror Joy, we delve into the eerie world of folk horror, where ancient myths and environmental fears intertwine.We'll explore:The Appalachian Nightmare: How the exploitation of the Appalachian landscape has given rise to terrifying folklore and real-world consequences.The Blair Witch Project: The unsettling power of place and the psychological terror of the woods.Old Gods of Appalachia: The ancient evil lurking beneath the surface of the Kentucky hills.Join us as we trek through these haunted landscapes and confront the monsters that dwell within. Christian Nationalism 2Old Gods of AppalachiaAmerican Gods by Neil GaimanFolk Horror – New Global Pathways edited by Dawn Keetley and Ruth HeholtCoal Stories by Embedded PodcastFrogmanThe Last BroadcastCannibal Holocaust

Join us as we plunge into the shadowy world of Haddonfield, Illinois. In this special episode of Horror Joy, Jeff and Brian dissect John Carpenter's iconic 1978 slasher film, Halloween. We'll explore:The Shape's Morality: Is Michael Myers a terrifying villain or a moral compass?Beyond the Mask: Can we find a more subversive reading of this classic horror film?The Rules of the Slasher: How Halloween established the blueprint for countless horror films to follow.The Psychology of Fear: Unraveling the psychological underpinnings of the film's enduring terror.So, lock the doors, grab your sharpest knitting needles, and join us as we explore one of horror’s most enduring masterpieces. But be careful, we can’t all be the final girl.        Emmanuel LevinasThe Thing from Another World (1951)You’re Next directed by Adam WingardScream FranchiseMy Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham JonesPsyche as soul

A Nostalgic Nightmare: Exploring the Comfort of HorrorThis week on Horror Joy, we're taking a trip down memory lane. For many of us, our love affair with horror began at a young age, fueled by Goosebumps books, Are You Afraid of the Dark, and the iconic horror paperbacks found on the revolving racks at local grocery stores.Nostalgia and Horror: A Twisted EmbraceNostalgia, with its roots in homesickness, offers a sense of comfort and belonging. But horror, while evoking strong emotions, can also be deeply comforting. It disrupts our sense of security, only to draw us back in, promising a strange warmth.Our Nostalgic Journey:Tom Deady's The Rack: We chat with Tom about his love for Salem's Lot and the process of curating his anthology of horror stories.Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories: A discussion on the power of simple illustrations, the performative nature of storytelling, and how horror prepares us for adulthood.Join us as we spin the rack of horror and revisit the nostalgic thrills that first captivated us. Let's stick together, because you never know what horrors await! Salem’s Lot by Stephen KingGeoffrey ChaucerGwendolyn KisteThe Life of Chuck (in If It Bleeds) by Stephen KingThe Life of Chuck directed by Mike FlanaganScary Stories to Tell in the DarkTom DeadyThe Rack