Corpses, Fools and Monsters : The History and Future of Transness in Cinema by Willow Maclay

Agroundbreaking exploration of trans images in film and the emerging politicalpossibilities of the new trans cinema movement. Forover a century, trans images have appeared in cinema, often as harmful culturalobjects shaped by the zeitgeist-from Christine Jorgensen to Candy Darling tosensationalised guests on The Jerry Springer Show. These representationsfrequently cast trans bodies in abject forms: as corpses, jokes, tragicmartyrs, or even monsters. But now, a new wave of trans cinema is emerging fromthe margins, creating its own film language in direct response to this history. Corpses,Fools, and Monsters provides a radicalhistory of trans images in film, analysing the works of trans directors likeIsabel Sandoval, Silas Howard, and the Wachowski Sisters. It explores transrepresentation in everything from pre-talkie films and Ed Wood's B-movies toOscar-winners, body horror, and slashers. Beyond reassessing notable films andportrayals, the book highlights overlooked filmmakers and films, showcasingthose who are pushing trans cinema into the mainstream in the twenty-firstcentury. Key Features: - Acritical history of trans representations in cinema-In-depth analysis of notable trans filmmakers, including Isabel Sandoval, SilasHoward, and the Wachowski Sisters-Exploration of diverse film genres, from body horror to Oscar-winning dramas-Focus on both historical and emerging trans cinema movements-Brings attention to underappreciated films and artists that challengetraditional portrayals
Binding: Paperback / softback