An Encounter in the Abyss

Filmmakers are viewed as the creators of a film while fans are viewed as its consumers. In reality, these two groups of people are engaged in a social encounter with one another before the film is released, while it is on the screen, and long after the credits roll. In this book, Jason Rapelje, a sociologist, conducts a case study of the fans and filmmakers of the motion picture Freddy vs Jason in an effort to understand their interconnectedness. This case study involves an analytical framework that allows Rapelje to examine the reciprocal influences of both parties across time and space, as revealed through their own words. This book sheds light on this unique relationship, and it will be of particular interest to academics who want to more fully understand the social aspects of mass communication, filmmakers seeking to better understand their audiences, and fans who feel powerless while their favorite film icons are being remade and updated for new generations.

Autorentext

Jason Rapelje, PhD, studied social theory, mass communications and culture at Western Michigan University. While earning his doctorate in Sociology, Rapelje received two research awards from Western Michigan for the work presented in this book. He is a life-long fan of horror films.

Klappentext

Filmmakers are viewed as the "creators" of a film while fans are viewed as its "consumers." In reality, these two groups of people are engaged in a social encounter with one another before the film is released, while it is on the screen, and long after the credits roll. In this book, Jason Rapelje, a sociologist, conducts a case study of the fans and filmmakers of the motion picture Freddy vs Jason in an effort to understand their interconnectedness. This case study involves an analytical framework that allows Rapelje to examine the reciprocal influences of both parties across time and space, as revealed through their own words. This book sheds light on this unique relationship, and it will be of particular interest to academics who want to more fully understand the social aspects of mass communication, filmmakers seeking to better understand their audiences, and fans who feel powerless while their favorite film icons are being remade and updated for new generations.