Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Lewis, Malvenia

Titel

Sanguinary Alliances: Unearthing Inherent Archetypes in Popular Vampire Films

Ort / Verlag

ProQuest Dissertations Publishing

Erscheinungsjahr

2014

Link zum Volltext

• ProQuest

Quelle

ProQuest Dissertations & Theses A&I

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Within the recesses of the human psyche lies the realm of the unconscious, an arena reigned over by the multi-dimensional Archetypal Feminine, an aspect of the Great Mother who manifests and projects terrifying images awaiting entry into the domain of human consciousness. Compelled by inherent forces of human unconsciousness as guided by the Archetypal Feminine, the fertile imagination of global civilizations flourished into an overabundance of vampire-like creatures traversing time. Consequently, humankind’s eternal fascination with the vampire’s innumerable manifestations is currently unprecedented, siring newborn progeny at an exponential rate. Kaleidoscopic in scope, vampires and vampire-like creatures run the gamut of human imagination from ancient Babylonian, malevolent spirit-assailants, to contemporary, wisecracking comic relief characterizations distinguishable in weekly TV episodics. Filmmakers routinely apply copious creative license to their projects, consistently producing definitive products that, in themselves, achieve a state of vampiric immortality, enticing audiences into accepting the existence of astounding realms of cinematic ecstasy. This dissertation utilizes Jungian and post-Jungian theory to differentiate manifestations of the negative elementary character of the Archetypal Feminine. It further analyzes inherent archetypes and tangible symbols governing principal characters in a medley of popular vampire films, revealing dominant forces subliminally swaying malleable viewing audience’s perceptions and acceptance of the psyche’s projected images. This dissertation investigates the extent Bela Lugosi’s 1931 cinematic performance of Count Dracula innately harbors the Archetypal Feminine’s creature of fatal enchantment whose mere presence renders victims susceptible to immediate vampiric domination. It then segues into trekking paths of individuation, and absence of it, as reflected in perpetually brooding immortals struggling with maintaining vestiges of their rapidly dwindling humanity. The study follows in the footsteps of the Greek Gods—as instilled within the vampire family dynamic—then pursues the psychologically convoluted reluctant hero from self-denial, through acceptance of their fated existence. Lastly, the dissertation queries what consistently arouses humanity’s indomitable obsession for this alluring creature, the vampire, through which we live vicariously. Utterly magnificent in their unparalleled versatility, resourcefulness, and captivating appeal, this dissertation reveals that vampires are, undeniably, here to stay.