Grady Hendrix author of The Final Girl Support Group Joins SI Meeting Recap

 So, was our Nov. 7th meeting a book club discussion OR a free wheeling graduate course in the history of horror in fiction and cinema, along with thoughts on Jungian psychology, feminism in slasher films, and insights into how authors navigate the transformation of their books into films and television series? You’re right. All of the above. As for how author Grady Hendrix, who has had considerable success with his novels being turned into movies, manages that conversion: simple. He becomes an integral part of the process.Grady is, understatement, a wealth of knowledge. Here are just a few of his references that surfaced during our discussion (they are all very intriguing):

The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter - a compilation of short stories which are reworked well known folk stories. 

Men, Women, and Chain Saws: Gender in the Modern Horror Film, a book by Carol J. Clover - here is the origin of the “final girl” term. Clover’s book doesn’t condescend to the horror fan, but instead considers that slasher films offer female victim/heroines that are relatable to both females - AND males.

Foster’s Release:  - a short film from 1971 (director Terence H. Winkless. Writer Stephen Lorimore) with a really crazy history.  Horror fans can trace some of our scariest moments to the tropes introduced in this 14 minute film. Black Christmas, Halloween, and He Knows You’re Alone all have clear influences from Foster’s Release.

This is just a sampling of what we learned from Grady.

Grady also gave us some insight into our The Bachelor, Hallmark Channel Movies, slasher film addiction. We watch with two eyes - we absorb the stories we know so well, knowing how they will end, and how ridiculous they can be (usually, very intentionally) along with the storylines.  This mix is additive - and, well, fun.  Who doesn’t crave a little fun right now? 

(There’s SO much more. I suggest you watch the Zoom recording Brittany posted. We had a great time.)

I mean, you gotta love a guy who created a slasher series for Final Girl Chrissy called Gnomecoming.

 For slasher film fans, you’ll definitely have  a good time gathering all the book’s Easter eggs.

Yet, with so much to discuss, the main theme was not lost.

As Brittany, and the Final Girls, reminded us as we ended the meeting - surviving is about not giving up. The Final Girls aren’t super heroes with super strength. They’re not Xena. They’re not Furiosa. They’re the girls who refuse to give up.

What a perfect message.

Posted by book lover: Phyllis T.