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Vampires, Race, and Transnational Hollywood's Traditions in American Cinema

Terence Nelson

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Published in Vampires Race And Transnational Hollywoods (Traditions In American Cinema)

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Vampires have long been a popular subject of fascination in American cinema, and their portrayal has often reflected the changing social and political landscape of the United States. From the early days of silent film to the present day, vampires have been used to represent a wide range of social and political anxieties, and their portrayal has often intersected with issues of race, ethnicity, and national identity.

Vampires, Race, and Transnational Hollywoods (Traditions in American Cinema)

by Dale Hudson

4.6 out of 5

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In the early days of silent film, vampires were often portrayed as exotic and dangerous creatures who threatened the purity of white womanhood. This portrayal was in keeping with the prevailing racist attitudes of the time, which saw black people and other non-white groups as inferior and dangerous. In films such as Nosferatu (1922) and Dracula (1931),vampires were often played by white actors in blackface, and their portrayal was often highly stereotypical and offensive.

As the civil rights movement gained momentum in the 1950s and 1960s, the portrayal of vampires in American cinema began to change. Vampires were increasingly portrayed as sympathetic characters who were victims of their own circumstances, and their portrayal was often used to critique the racism and social injustice of the time. In films such as Blacula (1972) and Ganja & Hess (1973),vampires were played by black actors, and their portrayal was often explicitly political. These films used the vampire myth to explore issues of race, class, and gender, and they helped to challenge the prevailing racist stereotypes of the time.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the portrayal of vampires in American cinema became even more diverse. Vampires were increasingly portrayed as characters who came from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds, and their portrayal was often used to explore issues of cultural identity and assimilation. In films such as The Lost Boys (1987) and Interview with the Vampire (1994),vampires were played by actors from a variety of backgrounds, and their portrayal was often complex and nuanced. These films used the vampire myth to explore issues of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in a changing world.

In the 21st century, the portrayal of vampires in American cinema has continued to evolve. Vampires are now increasingly portrayed as characters who are complex and multifaceted, and their portrayal is often used to explore a wide range of social and political issues. In films such as Blade (1998) and True Blood (2008),vampires are played by actors from a variety of backgrounds, and their portrayal is often explicitly political. These films use the vampire myth to explore issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality, and they help to challenge the prevailing stereotypes of the time.

The portrayal of vampires in American cinema has been a complex and evolving one, and it has often reflected the changing social and political landscape of the United States. From the early days of silent film to the present day, vampires have been used to represent a wide range of social and political anxieties, and their portrayal has often intersected with issues of race, ethnicity, and national identity. As the United States continues to become more diverse, the portrayal of vampires in American cinema will likely continue to evolve, and it will be interesting to see how these characters are used to explore the social and political issues of our time.

Vampires, Race, and Transnational Hollywoods (Traditions in American Cinema)

by Dale Hudson

4.6 out of 5