Baroque Aesthetics in Contemporary American Horror

This insightful book explores the trend of blending classic horror tropes in modern American films, highlighting the concept of Baroque Aesthetics in Contemporary American Horror.

This book delves into a fascinating trend that has surfaced in recent years within the realm of American horror films and television. It examines the simultaneous and often overwhelming utilization of various stock characters, themes, and tropes drawn from the classics of the genre. With notable examples such as Baroque Aesthetics in Contemporary American Horror, the author highlights a tendency to address a wide array of topics and themes, each of which could easily stand alone as the focus of individual films or series.

The exploration extends beyond American horror, linking these cinematic trends to cultural and artistic movements outside the US, including Baroque art and architecture, Asian horror, and European horror. The book analyzes the construction of these hybrid narratives while discussing the socio-political issues that arise from them. The aesthetic described as Baroque Aesthetics in Contemporary American Horror is characterized by a relentless barrage of images, tropes, and scenarios, merging elements from various iconic horror subgenres. This approach elicits strong reactions, reminiscent of the Baroque artistic movement of the 17th century, provoking shock, awe, fear, and surprise.

Eljaiek-Rodríguez meticulously details how American filmmakers craft these narratives by integrating disparate elements to create a cohesive and terrifying experience for the audience. Additionally, the book addresses the impact of these complex films and series on contemporary horror and their implications for understanding politics in an increasingly divisive world that often seeks ideological uniformity.