Books in French are on www.livres-cinema.info
Terror in the Desert
Dark Cinema of the American Southwest
by Brad Sykes
(0 vote)Average rating:
| 0 | rating |  = We can do without |
| 0 | rating |  = Good book |
| 0 | rating |  = Excellent book |
| 0 | rating |  = Unique / a reference |
Your rating: -
Book Presentation:
Set in the American Southwest, “desert terror” films combine elements from horror, film noir and road movies to tell stories of isolation and violence. For more than half a century, these diverse and troubling films have eluded critical classification and analysis. Highlighting pioneering filmmakers and bizarre production stories, the author traces the genre’s origins and development, from cult exploitation (The Hills Have Eyes, The Hitcher) to crowd-pleasing franchises (Tremors, From Dusk Till Dawn) to quirky auteurist fare (Natural Born Killers, Lost Highway) to more recent releases (Bone Tomahawk, Nocturnal Animals). Rare stills, promotional materials and a filmography are included.
About the Author:
Brad Sykes is the award-winning screenwriter and director of more than 20 feature films, including Plaguers, Death Factory and Camp Blood. He has penned articles for cinema magazines such as Fangoria, Indie Slate and Evilspeak. He lives in Los Angeles, California.
Press Reviews:
"Sykes writes authoritatively and informatively and never becomes bogged down in thesis-style analytics. In fact, so readable is this relaxed writing style that ultimately his enthusiasm becomes infectious….engrossing…educational…recommend[ed]"—Cinema Retro
“Gives them a critical analysis that hasn’t been done before…rare stills…an interesting read”—Kitley’s Krypt
“Combines elements from horror, film noir and road movies to tell stories of isolation and violence”—Horror Hound
"In addition to being a very talented filmmaker, Brad Sykes also shows us that he is one hell of an author as well with his book…it is nothing short of awesome. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it as Sykes knows his stuff when it comes to these movies. I had a blast reading this book and if you’re into these types of films I guarantee that you will too…very well-written…it is obvious that Sykes put his heart and soul into it. If you ever have a question about a movie that takes place in the desert all you have to do is pick up a copy of this book and you’ll find your answer very quickly because that is how well put together and comprehensive this book is"—Horror News
See the publisher website: McFarland & Co
> On a related topic:
Passionate Detachments (2018)
Technologies of Vision and Violence in American Cinema, 1967-1974
by Amy Rust
Subject: Sociology
Generation Tarantino (2025)
The Last Wave of Young Turks in Hollywood
Subject: Countries > United States
Imagining the American Death Penalty (2025)
The Cultural Work of Popular Visual Representations
by Birte Christ
Subject: Countries > United States
Our Country/Whose Country? (2024)
Early Westerns and Travel Films as Stories of Settler Colonialism
by Richard Abel
Subject: Countries > United States
Law at the Movies (2024)
Turning Legal Doctrine into Art
by Stanley Fish
Subject: Countries > United States
Policing Show Business (2024)
J. Edgar Hoover, the Hollywood Blacklist, and Cold War Movies
Subject: Countries > United States
Back
