Apocalypse Cinema
156 pages, 4 1/2 x 7
Paperback
Release Date:16 Jul 2021
ISBN:9781978819849
Hardcover
Release Date:16 Jul 2021
ISBN:9781978819856
CA$85.00 add to cart button Back Order
Ships in 4-6 weeks.
GO TO CART

Apocalypse Cinema

Rutgers University Press
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 MetropolisInvasion of the Body SnatchersDr. StrangeloveContagion, 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. 
From stories of cosmic catastrophes and space invaders to nuclear and natural disasters, Stephen Prince provides here an expertly-crafted, lively account of the apocalyptic visions made possible only by the movies.’
 
Carl Plantinga, author of Alternative Realities
From stories of cosmic catastrophes and space invaders to nuclear and natural disasters, Stephen Prince provides here an expertly-crafted, lively account of the apocalyptic visions made possible only by the movies.’
 
Carl Plantinga, author of Alternative Realities
STEPHEN PRINCE (1955 - 2020) was a professor of cinema at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. He authored numerous books, including Digital Visual Effects in Cinema: The Seduction of Reality and A Dream of Resistance: The Cinema of Kobayashi Masaki (both Rutgers University Press).
 
Introduction
1. Sources and Traditions in Apocalyptic Cinema
2. Astrophobia
3. I’m Not Saying We Wouldn’t Get Our Hair Mussed
4. The Revenge of Nature
Acknowledgments
Further Reading
Works Cited
Index
Find what you’re looking for...

Graphic with text reads: Winter Sale. In December, take 20% off all books on our website using code BRRR24 at checkout.

Stay Informed

Receive the latest UBC Press news, including events, catalogues, and announcements.


Read past newsletters

Free shipping on online orders over $40

Publishers Represented
UBC Press is the Canadian agent for several international publishers. Visit our Publishers Represented page to learn more.