Hardcore Horror Cinema in the 21st Century

<p> The first of its kind this study examines the exemplars of hardcore horror--Fred Vogel's <I>August Underground</I> trilogy Shane Ryan's <I>Amateur Porn Star Killer</I> series and Lucifer Valentine's vomit gore films.</p><p> The author begins with a definition and critical overview of this marginalized subgenre before exploring its key aesthetic convention the pursuit of realist horror. Production practices exhibition and marketing strategies are discussed in an in-depth interview with filmmaker Shane Ryan. Audience reception is covered with a focus on fan interaction via the Internet.</p>