209 – Anna Bogutskaya & A Deep Fear of Things Sincere
Aug 27, 2024
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Anna Bogutskaya, a leading UK film critic with a flair for horror, dives into the captivating depths of the genre in her new book, 'Feeding the Monster.' She discusses how horror grips our psyches and shares personal, primal experiences with frightful films. The conversation touches on the intriguing meme-ification of monsters, with a nod to Mike Flanagan’s unique sincerity in modern horror. Anna even introduces the humorous concept of Vecnussy, challenging perceptions of 'Stranger Things.' Prepare for a delightful exploration of fear and nostalgia!
Anna Bogutskaya's book, 'Feeding the Monster', explores how horror films elicit emotional responses like fear and anxiety, challenging traditional film criticism.
The podcast discusses the cultural significance of horror, defending it against stereotypes by emphasizing its ability to reflect societal anxieties and personal experiences.
Anna highlights the evolution of female representation in horror, showcasing how contemporary films articulate complex emotions surrounding motherhood and personal identity.
Deep dives
Exploring Horror's Emotional Depth
The discussion centers on Anna Bogertskaya's new book, which thoroughly examines the emotional responses elicited by horror films. The book is structured around five essays that delve into how horror engages audiences' feelings such as fear, anxiety, and pain, as well as its reflections on power dynamics. Anna emphasizes rejecting overly intellectualized criticism that ranks films merely as good or bad, advocating instead for a focus on the viewer’s experience. This viewpoint celebrates horror as a uniquely creative genre that has thrived and evolved in recent years, challenging traditional criticism and highlighting the emotional connections films can nurture.
Defending Horror as a Genre
Anna articulates a defense of horror against common stereotypes and critiques that deem the genre as a mere spectacle of violence and gore. She recalls personal experiences of needing to justify her passion for horror to others, revealing a shared struggle among horror fans. The introduction of her book addresses these prejudices, transforming her argument into a love letter for horror rather than a defensive manifesto. This perspective is particularly relevant in an era where horror continues to grapple with its cultural status and the misunderstandings surrounding its thematic richness.
The Role of Memory in Horror
A central thesis in Anna's book posits that the interplay between horror and memory significantly impacts how individuals experience fear. She reflects on personal anecdotes about how certain films resonate due to past experiences of fear, illustrating the way horror can evoke deep, often traumatic memories. The notion that horror films can become a medium for confronting our personal anxieties reinforces the genre's role as not only entertainment but also as a form of self-discovery. Anna's analysis pushes listeners to consider their own memories and how they shape their perception of horror narratives.
The Evolution of Female Representation in Horror
Anna draws connections between female anxiety and horror films, showcasing how women's experiences and societal expectations are reflected in the genre. She notes a historical shift, associating classic horror with women's struggle to navigate feelings of loss and vulnerability. This discussion highlights contemporary portrayals of women in horror, noting how characters like those in 'Midsommar' and 'The Babadook' encapsulate complex emotions surrounding motherhood and personal identity. By examining these themes, Anna encourages a deeper understanding of horror as a platform for exploring the intricacies of female experience.
Defining Modern Monsters
The conversation touches on how horror has transformed its portrayal of monsters, shifting focus from supernatural beings to the terrors of everyday life. Anna argues that current horror often features 'ordinary' individuals grappling with rage and discomfort, reflecting broader societal anxieties. She references films like 'Get Out' and 'Midnight Mass,' which explore the monstrous nature of human beliefs and prejudices. This analysis brings forth a vital conversation on the relevance of horror in contemporary settings, illustrating how it serves as a reflection of current societal fears and challenges.
Anna Bogutskaya is one of the UK’s most prominent film critics, with a penchant for horror. She knows her scary onions. And in her new book, Feeding the Monster, she asks an important question (well, important to the likes of you and me) – Why does horror have a hold on us?
In concise but free-ranging essays, she looks at the prominent themes that sets the horror oft the last decade apart, peeling back the skin of the genre to see how it’s muscle flex and grip, and also give you tons of films to watch in the process.
We have a similarly freewheeling conversation in this episode, talking about everything from our primal horror movie experiences, to the meme-ification of monsters and why Mike Flanagan is both outlier and heart of the genre.
Also… Anna introduces me to the concept of Vecnussy, which may ruin Stranger Things for you, like it has for me.
