Read Mark Adam's conference report in the Cine-Excess E-Journal
Call for Papers: The Cultural Mythology of the Snuff Movie
The phenomenon of the so-called "snuff movie" (films that allegedly
document real acts of murder, specifcally designed to
“entertain”/sexually arouse the spectator) represents a fascinating
socio-cultural paradox. At once unproven, yet accepted by many as
emblematic of the very worst extremes of pornography and horror, moral
detractors would argue that the mere idea of snuff constitutes the
logical (and terminal) extension of generic forms that are dependent
primarily upon the excitement, stimulation and, ultimately, corruption
of the senses.
The aim of this event is to cover all aspects of this contentious topic with a view towards an eventual published collection. The generic description of snuff will be considered in its broadest terms and papers are welcome from scholars and writers addressing the phenomenon from critical, cultural, historical and theoretical perspectives. We are particularly keen to emphasise global dimensions, identifying the local variations and inflections that have expanded the parameters of the debate. Moreover, contributors are not restricted to cinema in addressing the issues under consideration, and papers covering television, literature and videogames are also encouraged.Potential subjects include, but are by no means limited to:
Abstracts (maximum 300 words) and a 50 word biography (outlining institutional affiliation and research interests/publications) should be sent by 17 August 2012 to [email protected].
The Organisers -
Shaun Kimber (Bournemouth University)
Neil Jackson (University of Lincoln)
Johnny Walker (De Montfort University)
Thomas Joseph Watson (Northumbria University)
The aim of this event is to cover all aspects of this contentious topic with a view towards an eventual published collection. The generic description of snuff will be considered in its broadest terms and papers are welcome from scholars and writers addressing the phenomenon from critical, cultural, historical and theoretical perspectives. We are particularly keen to emphasise global dimensions, identifying the local variations and inflections that have expanded the parameters of the debate. Moreover, contributors are not restricted to cinema in addressing the issues under consideration, and papers covering television, literature and videogames are also encouraged.Potential subjects include, but are by no means limited to:
- Snuff and the theoretical paradigm of ‘realist horror’
- Shockumentaries, Mondo and the problems of defining snuff
- Snuff and pornography; Snuff and the cinematic gaze
- Snuff and discourses of gender and sexuality
- Snuff and racial representation
- Snuff and the horror mockumentary sub-genre
- Snuff and the parameters of screen violence
- Cultural specifics of the snuff mythology
- Snuff and transnationalism
- Snuff and adaptation
- Snuff, the internet and other participatory cultures
- Snuff and videogames
- Snuff and contemporary news media
- Snuff: audiences, readerships, reception, consumption and (dis)pleasure
- The style and form of snuff
- Snuff: affect, sensation and ethics
- Snuff: moral panics, censorship and regulation
Abstracts (maximum 300 words) and a 50 word biography (outlining institutional affiliation and research interests/publications) should be sent by 17 August 2012 to [email protected].
The Organisers -
Shaun Kimber (Bournemouth University)
Neil Jackson (University of Lincoln)
Johnny Walker (De Montfort University)
Thomas Joseph Watson (Northumbria University)