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The Fascination of Film Violence is a study of why fictional violence is such an integral part of fiction film. How can something dreadful be a source of art and entertainment? Explanations are sought from the way social and cultural norms and practices have shaped biologically conditioned violence related traits in human behavior.

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Introduction 1. The Cultural Evolution of Representing Violence 2. The Symbolism of Evil in Film 3. Poetics of Fictional Violence 4. Women and Violence on Screen 5. Psychological and Structural Violence Notes Filmography Bibliography Index

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´Screen violence has been a core feature of cinema throughout its history. Henry Bacon gives us a wise and perceptive exploration of the uncanny appeals of movie violence and the numerous ways that it engages and affects audiences. This is an elegant and persuasive treatment of a complex and paradoxical subject.´ - Stephen Prince, author of Savage Cinema: Sam Peckinpah and the Rise of Ultraviolent Movies

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Henry Bacon is Professor of Film and Television Studies at the University of Helsinki, Finland. Previously he worked as a research fellow at the Finnish Film Archive, where he also acted as project manager in charge of designing a national radio and television archive.

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