The Psychodynamics of Trauma and Modern Horror Cinema

Abstract

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In this illuminating volume, Carlos Pitillas and Ismael Martínez-Biurrun provide in-depth analysis of contemporary horror films from a psychoanalytic perspective. This book is an important and novel read for all psychoanalysts in practice and training looking for new ways to understand and work with clients who have experienced traumatic life events. The authors’ use of familiar and canonical horror films also equips students and researchers of Film Studies with the knowledge to integrate psychoanalytic theories into their work. ‘Pitillas and Martínez-Biurrun’s expert two-hander represents a milestone in trauma approaches to horror film. The Psychodynamics of Trauma and Modern Horror Cinema carefully interweaves narrative analysis with relevant insights from clinical psychology to make a compelling case for the genre’s ability to mediate traumatic events and capture the complexities of psychic wounds. Already very popular in its home country, the book is poised to reach an even wider audience thanks to this new revised edition in English.’