Cinematic Emotion in Horror Films and Thrillers

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Exploring the paradox of pleasurable fear, this book delves into why audiences often enjoy emotions they typically avoid, particularly in cinema. By analyzing iconic horror films such as Rosemary's Baby and The Silence of the Lambs, the author identifies five distinct types of fear experienced by viewers. Hanich emphasizes the importance of phenomenology in understanding these cinematic emotions, offering a nuanced classification that enhances the study of film. The work challenges traditional perspectives on fear in movies, enriching the discourse on viewer experiences.