The Cathartic Power of Christmas Horror Cinema
Abstract
This article explores the cathartic potential of Christmas horror cinema, drawing upon Aristotle’s concept of catharsis through art, particularly within the context of visual art and horror film. The article provides insights into the heritage of Christmas horror, including the tradition of ghost stories for Christmas in Great Britain. Subsequently, it explores the phenomenon of Christmas horror cinema, analysing its distinctive features and characteristics. The article seeks to understand why cinematic Christmas horror, with its monsters and macabre themes, holds such appeal for viewers. Additionally, the article examines how Christmas horror films critique excessive consumerism and offer catharsis during a holiday season that can be exclusionary and stressful for many individuals. Overall, this research sheds light on the transformative potential of Christmas horror cinema as a means of confronting societal issues and providing psychological release during the holiday season.
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Selected Filmography
A Christmas Carol, dir. Brian Desmond Hurst, George Minter Productions, UK, 1951.
A Christmas Carol, dir. Robert Zemeckis, Walt Disney Pictures, USA, 2009.
A Christmas Carol, the Musical, dir. Arthur AllanSeidelman, Hallmark Entertainment, USA, 2004.
A Christmas Horror Story, dir. Grant Harvey, Steven Hoban, Brett Sullivan, Copperheart Entertainment, Canada, 2015.
Anna and the Apocalypse, dir. John McPhail, Blazing Griffin, UK, 2017.
A View from a Hill, dir. Luke Watson, BBC, UK, 2005.
Black Christmas, dir. Bob Clark, Film Funding Ltd., USA, 1974.
Black X-mas, dir. Glen Morgan, 2929 Productions, Canada/USA, 2006.
Christmas Evil (You Better Watch Out), dir. Lewis Jackson, Edward R. Pressman Films, USA, 1980.
Gremlins, dir. Joe Dante, Warner Bros., USA, 1984.
Halloween, dir. John Carpenter, Compass International Pictures, USA, 1978.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas, dir. Ron Howard, Imagine Entertainment, USA, 2000.
It Happened on 5th Avenue, dir. Roy Del Ruth, Roy Del Ruth Productions, USA, 1947.
It’s a Wonderful Knife, dir. Tyler MacIntyre, Divide/Conquer, USA, 2023.
It’s a Wonderful Life, dir. Frank Capra, Liberty Films, USA, 1946.
Krampus, dir. Michael Dougherty, Legendary Pictures, USA, 2015.
Miracle on 34th Street, George Seaton, 20th Century-Fox, USA, 1947.
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale, dir. Jalmari Helander, FS Film Oy, Finland, 2010.
Red One, dir. Jake Kasdan, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, USA, 2024.
Scrooge, dir. Ronald Neame, Cinema Center Films, UK, USA, 1970.
Scrooged, dir. Richard Donner, Mirage Productions, USA, 1988.
Scrooge, or, Marley’s Ghost, dir. Walter R. Booth, Paul’s Animatograph Works, UK, 1901.
Silent Night, dir. Steven C. Miller, Buffalo Gal Pictures, USA, 2012.
Silent Night, Bloody Night, dir. Theodore Gershuny, Armor Films Inc., USA, 1972.
Silent Night, Deadly Night, dir. Charles E. Sellier Jr., Slayride Productions Inc., USA, 1984.
The Muppet Christmas Carol, dir. Brian Henson, Jim Henson Productions, USA, 1992.
The Nightmare Before Christmas, dir. Henry Selick, Touchstone Pictures, USA, 1993.
Whistle and I’ll Come to You, dir. Andy De Emmony, BBC, UK,2010.
Whistle and I’ll Come to You, dir. Jonathan Miller, BBC, UK,1968.
Whoever Slew Auntie Roo?, dir. Curtis Harrington, American International Pictures and Hemdale, USA and UK, 1971.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17951/kh.2024.46.7-18
Date of publication: 2025-04-04 15:34:14
Date of submission: 2025-04-04 15:16:17
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