Ep 2. Slashers, Part 1

In the second episode of Eli Roth's History of Horror season 1, titled "Slashers, Part 1," the renowned horror filmmaker and host, Eli Roth, delves deeper into the sub-genre of horror that became an iconic and controversial cinematic movement - the slasher film.

The episode begins with Roth discussing the birth of the slasher film with acclaimed filmmakers and horror icons, such as John Carpenter, David Cronenberg, and Jamie Lee Curtis, who starred in the iconic slasher film "Halloween." Roth also speaks with Robert Englund, the actor who played the notorious and iconic villain Freddy Krueger in the "Nightmare on Elm Street" franchise.

Through interviews, archival footage, and film analysis, Roth explores how the slasher film evolved from Alfred Hitchcock's classic "Psycho" and the influence of Italian Giallo films, to the breakthrough of "Halloween," and the subsequent rise of masked killers in films like "Friday the 13th."

The episode delves into the controversial aspects of slasher films, particularly the portrayals of women and misogyny in the genre. Roth examines how the female victim trope was subverted with the introduction of the "final girl" character, who emerges as the sole survivor and often takes down the killer in the end. The episode also discusses the impact of the "Scream" franchise in revitalizing the slasher genre in the late 90s and early 2000s.

Throughout the episode, Roth incorporates interviews with filmmakers and scholars, including Wes Craven, Joe Dante, Mary Harron, and Karyn Kusama, who provide their insights and perspectives on the significance and cultural impact of slasher films.

Overall, "Slashers, Part 1" offers a comprehensive and fascinating exploration of the slasher genre, providing context, analysis, and commentary from some of the most respected figures in the horror genre. Anyone with an interest in horror films or the cultural impact of pop culture will find this episode a captivating and informative watch.