Unpacking the Cyclical Horrors of The Amityville HorrorIn this episode of 'Horror Joy,' hosts Jeff and Brian Onishi delve into the 1979 classic film 'The Amityville Horror.' The discussion explores the recurring themes of cycles in our lives and how they manifest in horror, touching on historical and contemporary issues.They analyze the unsettling story of George and Kathy Lutz, who move into a seemingly perfect house only to face demonic possession and the horrors of past violence.The conversation critiques toxic masculinity, the failures of institutions like the Roman Catholic Church, and the broader implications of isolation and community in suburban life.The episode also brings in related historical and cultural contexts, including the Satanic panic and the significance of VHS technology in disseminating horror. Despite the film's clumsiness, the hosts find joy in practical effects, character performances, and the deeper reflections horror offers on society's enduring challenges.Horror movies at home: supernatural horror, delivery systems and 1980s satanic Panic by Drew BeardEchoes of Evil: Haunted Houses and Lingering Terrors in The Amityville Horror and The Conjuring by Julia SeltnerajchThe Red Scare: Marxism, Menstruation, and Stuart Rosenberg's The Amityville Horror by Larrie Dudenhoeffer
-------- Â
49:54
--------
49:54
Matthew Trifan on Meet Your Maker
In this episode of Horror Joy, the hosts are joined by Matthew Trifan, an emergency physician and author of the supernatural horror collection 'The Fever Called Living'. They discuss the complex relationship between horror and joy and how Trifan integrates his medical background into his horror writing. Highlights include the impact of secondhand trauma on medical professionals, the existential themes explored in his stories, the stigmatization of horror, and recommendations for readers and gamers interested in exploring the genre further.AuthorTrifan.com
-------- Â
29:46
--------
29:46
John Chrostek on Meet Your Maker
Exploring Horror and Joy with Author John ChrostekIn this episode of Horror Joy, the hosts are joined by John Chrostek, a writer, editor, and designer, to discuss his recent collection, Boxcutters, and his upcoming novel, Feast of the Pale Leviathan. They delve into John's perspective on the relationship between horror and joy, the cathartic nature of horror, and its role as a tool for social protest. John also shares insights on his writing journey, his editorial work at Cold Signal literary magazine, and his experience co-owning the independent bookstore, Evening House, in Buffalo, New York. The conversation touches on the significance of independent bookstores, recent horror media recommendations, and John's thoughts on creating meaningful literature in today's socio-economic landscape.JohnChrostek.comEvening House BookshopCold SignalHobbes LeviathanThe VourdalakUncertain Sons by Thomas Ha
-------- Â
35:07
--------
35:07
The Menu and Where the Soul Goes with Katherine Silva
Exploring the Horrors of Food in 'The Menu' and 'Where the Soul Goes'In this episode of Horror Joy, hosts Brian Onishi and Jeff Stoyanoff dive into the intricate relationship between food and horror. They are joined by author Katherine (Kat) Silva to discuss Mark Mylod's 2022 film 'The Menu' and its commentary on class, privilege, and consumption through the lens of food Horror.Silva's forthcoming book 'Where the Soul Goes,' a post-apocalyptic travel tale, is also explored, highlighting its themes of food's power to unite people even in dark times. The discussion touches on various aspects of food in Horror, the importance of performance in both cuisine and life, and the personal connections characters have with food.The episode wraps up with a joyful celebration of these works, emphasizing the inherent trust and risks related to the intimate act of eating.Kat SilvaConspicuous Consumption"Nothing in this kitchen is unplanned": Food as performance in Mark Mylod's The MenuChef's TableBanquet and the Beast: The Civilizing Role of Food in 1930s Horror Films
-------- Â
43:40
--------
43:40
Katherine "Kat" Silva on Meet Your Maker
In this episode of Horror Joy, Brian and Jeff are joined by Kat Silva, author of the Deadlands Trilogy. They discuss the unique relationship between joy and horror, particularly how the horror genre can bring emotional catharsis and mental stability. Kat shares the personal journey of her writing career, starting from childhood and leading to her current work. She talks about the role of grief in her stories and the importance of music in her creative process. They also chat about Kat's fascination with trains and her upcoming projects, including a new book set to release in September. The conversation wraps up with a discussion on favorite horror media and the joy found in even the cheesiest horror movies.Kat Silva
UK