Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Arts & Culture
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • |
  • Alumni
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • |
  • Alumni
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Arts & Culture

CRS’s Kendall Phillips Publishes Book on Rhetoric of Horror in Early American Cinema

Tuesday, March 6, 2018, By Erica Blust
Share
College of Visual and Performing Artsfaculty
head shot

Kendall Phillips

Kendall Phillips, professor of communication and rhetorical studies in the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies, has published the book “A Place of Darkness: The Rhetoric of Horror in Early American Cinema” (University of Texas Press).

Using a rhetorical approach that examines not only early films but also the promotional materials for them and critical responses to them, Phillips argues that the portrayal of horrific elements was enmeshed in broader social tensions around the emergence of American identity and, in turn, American cinema. Analyzing films from “Le manoir du diable” to “Dracula” and “Frankenstein,” the book, recently reviewed by NPR, reveals how tales of horror are intimately bound to questions of nationhood and national identity.

book coverPhillips, whose research and teaching interests are in contemporary rhetorical theory and criticism, is the author of two other books on horror films: “Dark Directions: Romero, Craven, Carpenter and the Modern Horror Film” (Southern Illinois University Press, 2012) and “Projected Fears: Horror Films and American Culture” (Praeger, 2005). “Dark Directions” was named by Cinepunx as one of the “10 Essential Books for the Horror Fan.”

Phillips is also the author of “Controversial Cinema: The Films that Outraged America” (Praeger, 2008); co-editor of “Global Memoryscapes: Contesting Remembrance in a Transnational Age” (University of Alabama Press, 2011); and editor of “Framing Public Memory” (University of Alabama Press, 2002).

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit www.syracuse.edu.

  • Author

Erica Blust

  • Recent
  • Billie Holiday Musical ‘Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar And Grill’ Continues Syracuse Stage 50th Anniversary Season
    Wednesday, October 4, 2023, By Joanna Penalva
  • HDFS Student Transforms Passion for Working with Children into Career Path
    Wednesday, October 4, 2023, By Matt Michael
  • Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Professor Bing Dong Awarded as IBPSA World Fellow
    Wednesday, October 4, 2023, By Kwami Maranga
  • IVMF Receives $3M Grant to Empower Rural Veteran-Owned Businesses
    Wednesday, October 4, 2023, By Charlie Poag
  • Mathematics Professors Receive NSF Grants to Study Algebra
    Wednesday, October 4, 2023, By News Staff

More In Arts & Culture

Billie Holiday Musical ‘Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar And Grill’ Continues Syracuse Stage 50th Anniversary Season

Syracuse Stage continues its 50th Anniversary Season with “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” by Lanie Roberston, a jukebox musical that takes an unflinching look at the life and times of legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday. The production runs…

‘Guys and Dolls’ Opens Syracuse University Department of Drama 2023/24 Season

The Syracuse University Department of Drama begins the 2023/24 season with “Guys and Dolls,” directed by Banji Aborisade, reviving the classic musical–with a twist. Performances will be held Oct. 6-15 in the Storch Theatre at the Syracuse Stage/SU Drama Complex,…

Cool Class: Mona Awad’s Art of the Fairy Tale

From an early age, fairy tales enter our lives and shape our view of the world. The classics like “Cinderella,” “Rapunzel” and “Beauty and the Beast” help to build literacy and expand our imagination. But young children aren’t the only…

Annual Lecture Honoring Physics Professor Kameshwar C. Wali to Be Held on Oct. 5

The Wali Lecture is an annual event where the sciences and humanities converge, fostering dialogue and new perspectives on current topics for all who attend. The 2023 Kashi and Kameshwar C. Wali Lecture on Thursday, Oct. 5, will honor the…

University to Hold Public Symposium Exploring Role of Monuments in Society

Scholars, artists, curators, activists, local historians and members of the public will convene at Syracuse University Oct. 6-7 to discuss the rightful place of monuments in our society and the increasing complexity they represent today in terms of their cultural,…

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • X
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Social Media Directory

For the Media

Find an Expert Follow @SyracuseUNews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • @SUCampus
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2023 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.