Gospel of the Living Dead
George Romero's Visions of Hell on Earth
By Kim Paffenroth
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Subjects: All Cultural Studies, All Religious Studies, Religion & Popular Culture |
This volume connects American social and religious views with the classic American movie genre of the zombie horror film. For nearly forty years, the films of George A. Romero have presented viewers with hellish visions of our world overrun by flesh-eating ghouls. This study proves that Romero’s films, like apocalyptic literature or Dante’s Commedia, go beyond the surface experience of repulsion to probe deeper questions of human nature and purpose, often giving a chilling and darkly humorous critique of modern, secular America.
"Paffenroth weaves Christian theology, social criticism and allusions to Dante's Inferno throughout his discussion of films that feature cannibalism, mayhem and terror-a feat that probably has to be read to be believed. This is an excellent resource not just for fans of low-budget zombie films, but for anyone who wants to understand the appeal of the genre."
—Publishers Weekly
"Well written, well researched, a strong and edgy book."
—Craig Detweiler, Associate Professor and Chair of Mass Communication, Biola University
"Despite [Night of the Living Dead's] bleakness, the author finds spiritual hope. By attacking human arrogance, the movie reveals the first part of redemption—when 'we realize our weakness and insufficiency.'"
—Chronicle of Higher Education
"Whether readers agree with Paffenroth or not, this book will make a person think.... Paffenroth does the horror world a service by taking the subject of one of its luminaries and treating it as seriously as its fans."
—Dread Central
Kim Paffenroth (Ph.D. Notre Dame) is Professor of Religious Studies at Iona College
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