2023/10/01 by Susan Hopkins · 1 voice
Arts and Humanities · Social Sciences · #Gender, Feminism, and Media #Gothic Literature and Media Analysis #Shakespeare, Adaptation, and Literary Criticism
paper · doi:10.1111/jpcu.13288
openalex publication_date 2023/10/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
Abstract This study examines filmic (mis)use of monstrous sharks as metaphors for exploring prey and predation, and how these films have incorporated postfeminist discourses around a symbolic overcoming of gendered violence. Research methods deployed include framing analysis of film narratives, dialogue and visual elements, including the key phrases and images used in the theatrical release posters and other promotional materials of shark attack horror films. The evolving shark horror film subgenre relies on common carefully constructed metaphors, narrative parallels, genre conventions and stylistic processes which not only convey gendered ideologies but build an entire contrived nightmare universe around human‐shark interactions.