The Evil Dead

by Kate Egan

Sam Raimi's The Evil Dead (1981) has been celebrated as a rollercoaster ride of terror and a classic horror hit, a defining exemple of the tongue-in-cheek, excessively gory horror films of the 1980s. It is also the film that introduced the now-iconic character of Ash (played by Bruce Campbell). This study considers the factors that have contributed to the film's evolving cult reputation. It recounts its grueling production, its journey from Cannes to video and DVD, its playful recasting of the genre, and its status, for fans and critics alike, as one of the grungiest, gutsiest, and most inventive horror films in movie history.

Genres: Film

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very solid work of film criticism by Kate Egan. It is a great short introduction to the film, and while it leans heavily on audience reactions to the movie, it does a great job of covering all the topics that one wants to read about in a monograph like this.

[The Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

evil dead reference

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, I'm not the greatest Evil Dead fan but the cover lured me in. In this book the author informs you on the background story of the trilogy, shows you marketing images and explain why the series became a kind of cult movie. The analysis of the film worked out that demons inspired by ancient history influenced it. Besides the author shines a light on the fusing of elements, the mischief gags, the shifting perspectives and the possessed cabin. Overall a bit dry and analytic but interesting if you want to know more about that famous horror film. Recommended!

[Ryan Laferney · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting exploration of the film The Evil Dead and what it is exactly about the film that makes it a cult classic.

[Samuel Marquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interestin takes on a great and important movie

[David Maguire · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a very small book it takes an awfully long time to 'get going' beyond being just a collection of anecdotes and tit bits. It also places (in my opinion) far too much sway on the opinions of imdb users who have posted comments online about The Evil Dead. That said, the book does redeem itself towards the end when it attempts, quite successfully, to examine the gender issues brought up by the film, in particular that problematic 'tree rape' scene.