Apocalypse Cinema

By Stephen Prince | Publisher: Rutgers University Press

About the book

Vivid images of the apocalypse proliferate throughout contemporary cinema, which pictures the death of civilization in wildly different ways. Some films imagine a future where humanity is wiped out entirely, while others envision humans as an endangered species, enslaved by alien invaders or hunted by zombie hordes. 
 
This book provides a lively overview of apocalypse cinema, including alien invasions, nuclear annihilation, asteroid collisions, climate change, and terrifying plagues. Covering pivotal films from the silent era to the present day, including Metropolis, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Dr. Strangelove, Contagion, and Avengers: Endgame, Stephen Prince explores how these dark visions are rooted in religious and prophetic traditions, and he considers how our love for apocalypse cinema is tied to fundamental existential questions and anxieties that never go out of fashion.

Editions of Apocalypse Cinema

Paperback
ISBN 9781978819849
EBook
ISBN 9781978819863
PDF
ISBN 9781978819887

Read an Excerpt

Vivid images of the apocalypse proliferate throughout contemporary cinema, which pictures the death of civilization in wildly different ways. Some films imagine a future where humanity is wiped out entirely, while others envision humans as an endangered species, enslaved by alien invaders or hunted by zombie hordes. 
 
This book provides a lively overview of apocalypse cinema, including alien invasions, nuclear annihilation, asteroid collisions, climate change, and terrifying plagues. Covering pivotal films from the silent era to the present day, including Metropolis, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Dr. Strangelove, Contagion, and Avengers: Endgame, Stephen Prince explores how these dark visions are rooted in religious and prophetic traditions, and he considers how our love for apocalypse cinema is tied to fundamental existential questions and anxieties that never go out of fashion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Apocalypse Cinema about?

Vivid images of the apocalypse proliferate throughout contemporary cinema, which pictures the death of civilization in wildly different ways. Some films imagine a future where humanity is wiped out entirely, while others envision humans as an endangered species, enslaved by alien invaders or hunted by zombie hordes. 
 
This book provides a lively overview of apocalypse cinema, including alien invasions, nuclear annihilation, asteroid collisions, climate change, and terrifying plagues. Covering pivotal films from the silent era to the present day, including Metropolis, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Dr. Strangelove, Contagion, and Avengers: Endgame, Stephen Prince explores how these dark visions are rooted in religious and prophetic traditions, and he considers how our love for apocalypse cinema is tied to fundamental existential questions and anxieties that never go out of fashion.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Apocalypse Cinema?

The Arts > Performing arts > Films, cinema > Film guides and reviews

Where can I read a sample of Apocalypse Cinema?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781978819849

Is Apocalypse Cinema part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series Quick Takes: Movies and Popular Culture

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Apocalypse Cinema?

Stephen Prince

Who is the Publisher of the book Apocalypse Cinema?

Rutgers University Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Apocalypse Cinema is available as paperback(ISBN 9781978819849) and ebook(ISBN 9781978819863) and pdf(ISBN 9781978819887)

Where can I buy Apocalypse Cinema online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy Apocalypse Cinema?