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Mid-Atlantic Popular &
American Culture Association

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Silver in Transition: The Role of House and Family in DOG SOLDIERS

Presenter: 
William D. Prystauk (Kutztown University of Pennsylvania)
Presentation type: 
Paper
Abstract: 

According to myth, a person transitions to werewolf, which perfectly matches the only thing that can destroy the supernatural beast: the transitory metal silver. In the British film DOG SOLDIERS a squad of men on maneuvers in the Scottish Highlands faces a pack of werewolves. This is family versus family, with a homestead at the center of the fight. But in order for the men to survive, one young soldier must find that one piece of silver to save the day. The paper will not explore silver and its role, but the importance of family and the sacrifices that must be made in order to keep the family “whole”. Moreover, the element of a son standing up to and ultimately defeating his father becomes a key point in the family narrative. Additional commentary will focus on the home, which not only anchors the action, but means absolutely everything to soldier and werewolf alike. The end result is an action/horror with several thematic layers - a feast for the eyes as well as the mind.

Scheduled on: 
Friday, November 7, 11:00 am to 12:15 pm

About the presenter

William D. Prystauk

“Entertainment Weekly” called my horror podcast, THE LAST KNOCK on iTunes, one of the “five essential podcasts for horror fans.” We have thousands of listeners in over 120 countries.

I’m a multi award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker. My hard-boiled thriller, “Bloodletting” is available from Amazon. My college textbook, “Earn Internships, Secure Employment: A Practical Guide to Writing for the Workplace” is available from Kendall Hunt.

Twitter: @crashpalace Horror: www.crashpalaceproductions.com Professional: www.williamdprystauk.com.

Session information

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