TERROR IN THE DESERT: DARK CINEMA OF THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST by Brad Sykes
Published April 16th 2018
Published by McFarland & Company
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(from the book descriptions)
Set in the American Southwest, "desert terror" films combine elements
from horror, film noir and road movies to tell stories of isolation and
violence. For more than half a century, these diverse and troubling
films have eluded critical classification and analysis. Highlighting
pioneering filmmakers and bizarre production stories, the author traces
the genre's origins and development, from cult exploitation (The Hills Have Eyes, The Hitcher) to crowd-pleasing franchises (Tremors, From Dusk Till Dawn) to quirky auteurist fare (Natural Born Killers, Lost Highway) to more recent releases (Bone Tomahawk, Nocturnal Animals). Rare stills, promotional materials and a filmography are included.
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I have always been a horror fanatic. Watching and reading any films or books I could get my hands on. In fact there are two rooms in my house dedicated to my passions. One is a library with shelf after shelf of old and new books. The other is my video room, filled with every genre under the sun of movies. Yes there are kid movies and even some chick-flicks, but he majority are horror movies. Over the years I have gathered quite a collection, from Italian Gothic horror to Japanese VCD, Black-n-white classics to bootlegs and of course VHS nasties. Even now as I write this, I have a movie entitled The Toy Box playing in the background, a 2018 film about a family trapped in the desert in a haunted motor-home (Hey I didn't say it was an award winner).
So when Brad Sykes asked me to read his new book, I jumped at the chance.
Just a really quick background on Brad. He is an author, a producer, a screenwriter and director of over 20 films. Most recently he was involved with the movie HI-Death, soon to be released on disc and old-school VHS. He is also in charge of NIGHTFALL PICTURES. Needless to say, Brad has the background and the knowledge to do a book like this justice.
TERROR IN THE DESERT: DARK CINEMA OF THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST is a exhaustive look at the history of the desert themed horror movies. Every film you can think of and even more that you my never of heard of before are covered in this book. There is just so much to read here and none of it disappoints. The authors knowledge of the subject matter is amazing as he covers movie after movie of this sub-genre. I never knew there were so many and found myself making a list of films that I would now need to track down and view.
The book is a treasure-trove of information on over 100 movies. Including production stills, posters and some rare images. Even the most knowledgeable movie fan is sure to find something new in these pages.
I think what I liked liked most about this book is that you can tell that the author is enjoying what he is writing. This is not just some reference book written without feeling, the author is telling us a story. A story interwoven in so many movies, good and bad, that share a common thread, that of sand, cactus, heat and fear. Thankfully Brad has taken us along on the ride with him.
Maybe the author can treat us to another sub-genre book in the future. Ocean Horror would be a fun topic (hint,hint)
I would highly recommend this book to ANY movie fan. Whether your a horror fan or not, this book is a must read.
You can purchase
TERROR IN THE DESERT: DARK CINEMA OF THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST
now on AMAZON in print and ebook.
Please make sure to check out NIGHTFALL PICTURES for information on past and upcoming releases.
