Dr. Harry Benshoff's scholarship delves into film genres, history, and theory, with a particular emphasis on multiculturalism and representation. His essays explore diverse topics, from fan cultures surrounding specific films to the portrayal of race, class, gender, and sexuality in cinema. Benshoff's books, including his foundational work on homosexuality and the horror film, offer profound insights into how movies depict and shape our understanding of social identities. His research and teaching consistently challenge conventional film narratives, uncovering hidden meanings across a wide spectrum of cinematic works.
An Introduction to Methods, Theories, and Approaches
Offering an accessible introduction, this book guides students through advanced methods of analyzing film and television texts. It encourages deeper critical thinking and provides tools for understanding visual storytelling, narrative structures, and thematic elements, making it a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their analytical skills in media studies.
Explores the cultural, industrial, formal, and generic contexts of the television soap opera Dark Shadows as a precursor to today's popular gothic media franchises.
America on Film is a lively introduction to issues of diversity found within the American cinema. The book chronicles the cinematic history of various cultural groups, examines bias, and explores the relationship between film and national culture.
The book delves into a century of representations of queer sexualities in American film, highlighting the evolution of queer characters and the contributions of queer filmmakers. It examines historical contexts, from the discreet portrayals during Hollywood's Golden Age to the challenges posed by censorship and societal attitudes. Key topics include queer exploitation films, cinematic responses to the AIDS crisis, and modern Hollywood's engagement with queer issues. This comprehensive exploration serves as a vital resource for film enthusiasts and those interested in the intersection of sexuality and culture.
This history of the horror film explores the genre's relationship to the social and cultural history of homosexuality in America. The text draws on a wide variety of films and primary sources including censorship files, critical reviews, promotional materials, fanzines and popular news weeklies.