Overview

I Walked with a Zombie (1943), Val Lewton's second feature for RKO Radio Pictures, was described by critic Robin Wood as 'perhaps the most delicate poetic fantasy in the American Cinema.' Following immediately in the wake of the groundbreaking Cat People (1942), Zombie pioneered an even more radical narrative approach yet proved to be the critical and commercial equal of its predecessor, cementing the reputation of both Lewton and his director, Jacques Tourneur. Despite the lurid, studio-imposed title, I Walked with a Zombie is a subtle and ambiguous visual poem that advanced a daring condemnation of slavery and colonialism at a time when such themes were being actively suppressed by government censors. Clive Dawson charts the complex development and production of the project, essential to understanding the concerns of the filmmakers in the context of wartime Hollywood, then analyses the film in detail, referencing a broad range of academic studies of the audio-visual text and distilling new insight into its layers of meaning. Finally, he explores the film's reception, and the influence it exerted on the horror genre and beyond. Extensive primary research has uncovered a wealth of previously unpublished new material that solves many unanswered questions and dispels various myths about this utterly unique film.

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9781836243922

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Reviews

‘There’s been an explosion of short monographs on individual films over the past years… Among the most recent releases is Clive Dawson’s excellent history and analysis of the Val Lewton/Jacques Tourneur masterpiece I Walked with a Zombie (1943)… The book can be considered definitive as the most detailed discussion of the film to date.’ Gary Morris, Bright Lights Film Journal ‘Dawson has tapped into the film’s stylistics, analyzing it for the reader as if we’re in Lewton’s cinema psyche, lovingly plotting each set-up, characterization, and seductively frightening shadow. It’s a fast-paced yet remarkably in-depth tour of the contributions of Lewton, the director (Jacques Tourneur), and the scenarist (Ardel Wray).’ Gregory Mank, What Sleeps Beneath ‘An impressive volume that cleverly tap dances along that fine line between entertainment and academia.’ The Dark Side Horror News '... an enjoyable, fresh and timely study of a film which clearly still rewards audiences eighty years after its inception.' Keri O'Shea, Warped Perspective 'Bravos to Clive Dawson for this superb, highly recommended, five-star study that showcases one of the most creative and subversive talents of 1940s Hollywood – and what, for many, survives as the finest of Lewton’s masterpieces.' Gregory Mank, What Sleeps Beneath '(T)his reading is a model of in-depth criticism and history and will add considerably to viewers’ experience of the film.' Gary Morris, Bright Lights Film Journal 'Dawson’s book is a pleasure to read. It boasts wonderfully clear prose which unpicks a great deal of information and presents it back to us is a nicely flowing, easy to follow format.' Keri O'Shea, Warped Perspective

Author Information

Clive Dawson has an extensive background as a practitioner in animation, television and theatrical feature films, and is a professional screenwriter with various screen credits. He’s also the author of numerous film-related journal articles, including a career biography of Lewton screenwriter Ardel Wray for the Bright Lights Film Journal. He specialises in genre cinema from the 1940s to the 1960s.

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