The Vatican vs. Horror Movies: A Compelling Exploration of Fear and Faith in Film
When you think about the intersection of religion and horror, what often comes to mind? In the world of cinema, few entities have weighed in with as much authority—and controversy—as the Catholic Church. In his captivating debut, The Vatican vs. Horror Movies, author Matt Rogerson delves deep into the Church’s nuanced opinions on horror film classics such as Psycho, The Exorcist, and even transgressive gems like I Spit on Your Grave. With a wealth of research, Rogerson reveals the surprising, and at times perplexing, relationship between horror and faith.
H2: The Vatican’s Cinematic Watchdogs
For anyone immersed in film history, the influence of watchdogs like the Catholic Legion of Decency and the MPAA is well-known. But Rogerson introduces us to a lesser-known yet significant player: the Vatican’s official film review journal, Segnalazioni Cinematografiche, first published in 1934. This publication aimed to guide parishioners in Italy, providing insight into not just Italian masterpieces but also the flood of international films reaching its shores.
H3: A Focus on Italian Masters
Many films featured in The Vatican vs. Horror Movies originate from iconic Italian directors like Mario Bava and Lucio Fulci, known for their daring contributions to the horror genre. Yet, Rogerson expertly expands beyond these boundaries, examining how the Vatican critiqued films from the U.S. and other European nations, assessing their moral implications in addition to their aesthetic value.
H4: The Rise and Fall of Influence
As Europe entered a more secular age between the late ’50s and ’70s, the critical clout of Segnalazioni Cinematografiche began to wane. Despite this, the Vatican continued to scrutinize horror films, often focusing on the more sensational aspects. Rogerson cleverly employs the term filone, illustrating the rich tapestry of horror movements, from the giallo to the slasher genres, revealing how filmmakers borrowed from each other to create something uniquely cultural.
H3: Theological Interpretations of Horror
One of the most fascinating insights from Rogerson’s work is how the Vatican overlooked profound theological themes present in slasher and zombie films. With zombie movies often comprising narratives of "profane resurrections," it’s intriguing to see how these films were perceived in stark contrast to core Christian beliefs about life after death. Instead of addressing these deeper issues, the Vatican reviewers tended to emphasize the violence and gore, illustrating a striking disconnect.
H4: Unearthing the Overlooked Gems
Not just a catalogue of well-known blockbusters, The Vatican vs. Horror Movies encourages exploration into lesser-known films like Beyond the Door and various sub-genres including cannibal films and nunsploitation. While many of these works may have been panned by Vatican critics, Rogerson’s inclusion of them opens discussions that are both enlightening and at times shocking.
H2: A Balanced Perspective
Rogerson adeptly strikes a balance in his critique, offering an analysis that neither shuns religion nor blindly defends it. In his preface, he states, “the true mission of this book is to celebrate the power of genre film,” a mission he fulfills with style and passion.
H3: A Must-Read for Horror Aficionados
Readers will undoubtedly find themselves captivated by Rogerson’s engaging prose and thorough research. This book is not merely a history lesson; it is an exploration of the eerie and the divine. For lovers of horror and those intrigued by the intricate interplay between faith and film, The Vatican vs. Horror Movies promises to be an enriching experience.
Conclusion: A Powerful Intersection of Faith and Fear
In a world where supernatural horrors often reflect our deepest fears and anxieties, Rogerson’s work encourages us to ponder the deeper meanings behind them. The Vatican vs. Horror Movies is not just a critical examination but a celebration of horror as a cultural phenomenon. For anyone interested in this haunting nexus, it’s an insightful read that will linger long after the final pages.
The Vatican vs. Horror Movies by Matt Rogerson is published by McFarland & Company and is available for purchase at McFarlandBooks.com. Don’t miss this essential addition to any horror enthusiast’s library!
