David J. Skal, Scholar Who Took Horror Seriously, Dies At
Scholar David J. Skal, Who Took Horror Seriously, Passes Away At 71.
David J. Skal, a witty historian of horror entertainment, sadly passed away on January 1 in a car accident in Los Angeles. He was 71 years old. The accident occurred while Mr. Skal was returning home from a movie and dinner with his longtime partner, Robert Postawko. Tragically, an oncoming vehicle crossed a median and collided with their car. While Mr. Postawko survived the accident but sustained serious injuries, Mr. Skal did not survive.
Mr. Skal was a renowned author with an extensive knowledge of horror movies. He had a unique ability to bring this often overlooked genre to life through his captivating writing style. His books were not only informative but also entertaining, making him a respected figure in the industry. He was a regular guest on NPR, where he used his sonorous and friendly voice to explain scary topics to the audience. Additionally, he worked as a consultant for Universal Studios and contributed commentary tracks to their DVD series of classic monster movies.
In a 2014 interview with the New York Times, Mr. Skal explained the importance of monsters in society. He stated, “One of the main functions that monsters provide us is that they allow us to deal with our fears about the real world without having to look at them too directly.” He believed that horror movies acted as a mirror for societal fears, providing a much-needed outlet for anxieties.
Mr. Skal’s most influential work, “The Monster Show: A Cultural History of Horror,” published in 1993, explored the connection between scary movies and real-world horrors. He traced the origins of the genre back to silent classics like “Nosferatu” and “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame,” which were influenced by the aftermath of World War I. He also highlighted the impact of economic crises, the Cold War, and the AIDS epidemic on the horror wave in Hollywood.
One of Mr. Skal’s favorite figures to study was Dracula. He wrote several books about the iconic character, including a biography of Bram Stoker, the author of the famous novel. In his research, Mr. Skal uncovered the sexual undertones and homoerotic aspects of the Dracula story. He argued that these elements were often overlooked or suppressed due to societal conventions. His in-depth analysis shed new light on the character and added to the cultural significance of the Dracula myth.
Born on June 21, 1952, in Garfield Heights, Ohio, Mr. Skal had a passion for science fiction and horror from a young age. He studied at Ohio University, where he became a film critic and editor of the student newspaper. Before transitioning to nonfiction, he wrote three science fiction novels set in a dystopian future.
While Mr. Skal’s work received critical acclaim, it also faced some criticism. Some reviewers found his analysis of sexual references in films far-fetched and questioned his understanding of real-world scientists. However, Mr. Skal defended his approach, stating that his focus was on the distorted mirror of pop culture and its reflection of our fears.
David J. Skal leaves behind a legacy of insightful and entertaining writing. His contributions to the horror genre and his ability to analyze societal fears through film will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for years to come. He will be remembered as a talented historian and a true champion of horror entertainment..
– David J. Skal, Scholar Who Took Horror Seriously, Dies At
– David J. Skal, Scholar Who Embraced Horror, Passes Away.
