Filmmaker Wes Craven has consistently and imaginatively scared movie audiences since the early 1970s. His films encompass a variety of styles, elements and themes, from the nihilistic existentialism of The Last House on the Left to the successful A Nightmare on Elm Street (which sent horror in a bold new direction), to the hallucinatory dreamscapes of The Serpent and the Rainbow. And in the nineties, Craven returned with the Scream films, which were simultaneously funny, clever and scary films that overturned the horror clichés of the eighties.
The present work provides a history of Craven’s film career since 1972, examining all the themes and techniques the filmmaker explored. For each film, a synopsis, cast and credits, historical context, and critical commentary are provided. Also covered in detail are Craven’s forays into television, including movies such as Stranger in the House and work on such series as The New Twilight Zone.

John Kenneth Muir is an American literary critic and award-winning author. As of 2022, he has written 30 reference books in the fields of film and television, with a particular focus on the horror and science fiction genres.

John Kenneth Muir

Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 327
Bibliographic Info: photos, filmography, appendices, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2004 [1998]
pISBN: 978-0-7864-1923-4
Imprint: McFarland

• “enthusiasm for his subject is evident…should prove of interest to the slasher fan”—Classic Images
• “impressive persuasiveness and clarity…worthy investigation of…this monumentally moral director…all collections”—Choice
• “intriguing…an in-depth look at a great mind”—Music Revue Magazine
• “meticulous…cover[s] every aspect of Craven’s career…exhaustive”—Video Watchdog
• “well researched and written”—Talking Pictures Magazine
• “the commentaries make especially interesting reading…a must-have”—Samhain
• “invaluable”—Interzone
• “the best overview of [Craven’s] career I’ve seen…a lot of fun”—Little Shoppe of Horrors
• “keen insights”—Burlington County Times
• “you will learn something new by reading this book”—fearsmag.com