PhD Project: An Intersectional Analysis of Mainstream U.S. Horror Films from 1928 to 1979
This research will analyze how mainstream U.S. horror cinema, from Universal's classic monsters to the emergence of the slasher genre, is informed by the normative values and oppressive stereotypes of white capitalist patriarchy and thus, in turn, communicates those values and stereotypes back to its audience. This will be achieved by a close reading of monster horror films with a specific focus on gendered and racialized representation and intersectional marginalization in the antagonist and monster depiction.
Annalisa Schmidt studied American Studies at Leipzig University (BA) and at the University of Cologne (MA); after a brief stay at Rostock University, Annalisa decided to continue the film project with Prof. Stieglitz in Leipzig.