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Reading the Science of series by Hafdahl and Florence are really fun. This latest installment is no exception. The Horror Rewind podcast hosts and Horror genre lovers are the perfect pair to lead us in uncovering the pop culture and science layers surrounding the making of horror (primarily in movie form).
Their super-fan knowledge and enthusiasm come through in every chapter. It’s entertaining and also eye-opening when they talk about the tropes that have framed our view of witches in say, Eve’s Bayou vs. Goldie Hawn/Meryl Streep in Death Becomes Her.
The “science” in the titles of these books are mostly social science: psychology, socio-anthropology, media studies of fictional tropes, mixed in with bits of medical science– like when they answer the question posed by The Love Witch about whether there actually are “love potions” by discussing chemicals, effect of hormones on brain systems, etc.
The call out boxes in each chapter were a mixed bag. When they had to do with aspects of the movie making, like the call out box about Angelina Jolie’s Malificent make-up taking 3 hours or The Conjuring 2 being based on a real life event, I was fascinated. Other call out boxes felt a little more awkward. The pythagorean theorem or statistics on 15-17yr old teens vs 13-14 yr old teens having more crushes didn’t add as much to the unpacking of society views of witches.
But some of the really juicy bits that you get in this series are the conversations and access to the creative thinking of current directors and writers in the horror genre. In particular, the conversation with The Love Witch’s Anna Biller really reveals the intense focus, thoughtfulness, imagery, and symbolism that makers of these movies put into their stories, stories often dismissed by the general public as only blood-and-gore.
I challenge you to read this book and not see your own prejudices or assumptions about women’s power reflected back at you when you come across witches in mainstream or horror tv shows and movies.
Their super-fan knowledge and enthusiasm come through in every chapter. It’s entertaining and also eye-opening when they talk about the tropes that have framed our view of witches in say, Eve’s Bayou vs. Goldie Hawn/Meryl Streep in Death Becomes Her.
The “science” in the titles of these books are mostly social science: psychology, socio-anthropology, media studies of fictional tropes, mixed in with bits of medical science– like when they answer the question posed by The Love Witch about whether there actually are “love potions” by discussing chemicals, effect of hormones on brain systems, etc.
The call out boxes in each chapter were a mixed bag. When they had to do with aspects of the movie making, like the call out box about Angelina Jolie’s Malificent make-up taking 3 hours or The Conjuring 2 being based on a real life event, I was fascinated. Other call out boxes felt a little more awkward. The pythagorean theorem or statistics on 15-17yr old teens vs 13-14 yr old teens having more crushes didn’t add as much to the unpacking of society views of witches.
But some of the really juicy bits that you get in this series are the conversations and access to the creative thinking of current directors and writers in the horror genre. In particular, the conversation with The Love Witch’s Anna Biller really reveals the intense focus, thoughtfulness, imagery, and symbolism that makers of these movies put into their stories, stories often dismissed by the general public as only blood-and-gore.
I challenge you to read this book and not see your own prejudices or assumptions about women’s power reflected back at you when you come across witches in mainstream or horror tv shows and movies.
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
A fun collection of science facts related to some of our favorite witchy films.
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
Okay, so, it's true.. this book is not really about the science of "witchcraft". Aside from some divination, hoodoo and burning sage.. there's nothing about magical powers, spells, potion making, flying broomsticks.. nothing.
And it's also true.. the authors do go on different tangents talking about nothing really relating to witches or the craft. (There was one instance with the mention of a study about older women dating younger men that had me quirking an eyebrow..)
These things are definitely disappointing, I totally agree.
And also, it has to be said.. there is a lot of talk about witches I've never heard of before.. but there is no mention whatsoever of the famous Halliwell sisters.. the CHARMED ONES are snubbed! Which I found shocking as the original Charmed is literally iconic.
And while we're at it.. no mention of the original Sabrina either.. but.. they do win back some points with the somewhat confusing choice of having a chapter dedicated to Buffy.. I love Buffy, and yes it has some witchcraft.. but I don't think many people view Buffy as a "witchcraft" show.. certainly not in comparison to Charmed and others.
However, the Buffy chapter seems completely wasted talking about impromptu singing, dance mania (yep, the episode where Buffy temporarily turns into a bad musical) and an entire interview about memory loss, which I skipped. And the Sabrina chapter is wasted spending the whole time interviewing someone about running a mortuary 🙄
Anywho.. in saying all of that.. I actually kinda really liked this book. I don't know what to say but, I had fun!.. so, take my 4 stars ✨
And it's also true.. the authors do go on different tangents talking about nothing really relating to witches or the craft. (There was one instance with the mention of a study about older women dating younger men that had me quirking an eyebrow..)
These things are definitely disappointing, I totally agree.
And also, it has to be said.. there is a lot of talk about witches I've never heard of before.. but there is no mention whatsoever of the famous Halliwell sisters.. the CHARMED ONES are snubbed! Which I found shocking as the original Charmed is literally iconic.
And while we're at it.. no mention of the original Sabrina either.. but.. they do win back some points with the somewhat confusing choice of having a chapter dedicated to Buffy.. I love Buffy, and yes it has some witchcraft.. but I don't think many people view Buffy as a "witchcraft" show.. certainly not in comparison to Charmed and others.
However, the Buffy chapter seems completely wasted talking about impromptu singing, dance mania (yep, the episode where Buffy temporarily turns into a bad musical) and an entire interview about memory loss, which I skipped. And the Sabrina chapter is wasted spending the whole time interviewing someone about running a mortuary 🙄
Anywho.. in saying all of that.. I actually kinda really liked this book. I don't know what to say but, I had fun!.. so, take my 4 stars ✨
This was such a great read. I can’t rave enough about this book. The layout, concepts, backstories, and the amount of research put into this book is amazing. This book gave insite to things I never thought about of new about the history of witches, and belief over the times.
Definitely add to my shelf for education and reference purposes! All the stars
Definitely add to my shelf for education and reference purposes! All the stars
informative
fast-paced
I write about witches and also I'm very fond to read magic practice. I enjoy this book, it has many information, others have more illustrations but this one was spot on the magic practice and not only Wicca.
I recommend it for a non fiction reading and it help me to expand my knowledge about the craft. Love this kind of book
I recommend it for a non fiction reading and it help me to expand my knowledge about the craft. Love this kind of book
It was a fun and informative read. It's entertaining and well researched and it's never dry or boring.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine