Socialism in horror films

June 22, 7:14 PMDC Horror Movie ExaminerAlexandra Hartnett

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Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931): a film discussed by Newitz

Horror movies are funny things; their goal is to instill feelings of fear and dread, and to make little boys and girls afraid of the pretend monster under the bed. However, horror movies, at least the good ones, will also draw influence from current social and political crises that can make even the most fearless adult wary of the real "monster" that may be lurking under their bed at night.

A recent article by Annalee Newitz from io9.com titled 15 Horror Movies That Socialists Could Love outlines several horror films from a socialist standpoint. Vampires as a ruling class; zombies as slaves in both the traditional plantation scenario as well as a metaphor for middle class consumerism; and extreme poverty as the driving force to violent behavior are all examined. These films focus on supernatural and extreme situations that have a basis in very real social and economic problems. Newitz looks at a wide range of titles from various time periods, ranging from 1931's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde to this year's Drag Me to Hell.