Tablet Studios
Jewish Studies Unscrolled: American Horror and Sidney Lumet’s film The Pawnbroker (1964), with Jeremy Dauber
Dec 30, 2024
In this discussion with Jeremy Dauber, a Columbia University professor and author, the exploration of Jewish contributions to horror focuses on Sidney Lumet's groundbreaking film, The Pawnbroker. They dive into the haunting portrayal of trauma through Saul Nazerman’s subway flashbacks. The concept of 'thin places' is analyzed, highlighting the intersection of past and present horrors. The conversation also addresses the emotional and moral complexities of Holocaust representation in American culture, showcasing how this film challenges traditional horror narratives.
28:41
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The podcast explores the unique intersection of Jewish identity and horror, noting the rarity of such themes in Jewish American cinema.
- Through the film 'The Pawnbroker,' the discussion highlights how specific places, like the subway, evoke traumatic memories and reflections on healing.
Deep dives
Jewish Perspectives on Horror
Jewish contributions to American culture typically highlight music, literature, and comedy, while the genre of horror often goes overlooked. Interestingly, prominent Jewish filmmakers like Ari Aster and Steven Spielberg seldom explore horror within the context of American Jewish life, largely because recent Jewish history carries its own inherent horrors. This reluctance is contrasted by the film 'The Pawn Broker,' which presents a powerful exploration of trauma through its protagonist, Saul Nazerman, a Holocaust survivor. The film uses the subway as a haunting metaphor, linking Nazerman's present-day struggles to his traumatic memories, creating an unsettling blending of the past and present.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
