This essay will examine the influence of post-9/11 culture in America on Rob Zombie’s House of 1000 Corpses (2003) and The Devil’s Rejects (2005) individually as well as in relationship to each other. This exploration of the two films will begin with a definition and discussion of 9/11 and post-9/11 culture. Additionally, the subsequent impact of the post 9/11 cultural shift on American identity and the ways in which Americans perceive foreign entities and terrorism will also be considered. I will then analyze the effects of 9/11 on American identity and culture, specifically in focusing on American horror cinema. I will then explain how Rob Zombie’s two films illustrate the post 9/11 cultural shift through characterization, setting, plot conventions, and cinematography techniques. Through closely analyzing scenes focusing on Baby Firefly, from both films, and Sheriff Wydell, who makes his appearance in The Devil’s Rejects (2005), the concept of Self and Other will be examined; particularly in considering how they pertain to freedom, American identity, and American perception of foreign entities and terrorism.
About the presenterRebecca C. Vecchio
I graduated from Saint Joseph’s College of Patchogue in May of 2018 with a BA in English Literature. I am currently enrolled in the MA program for English Literature at Stony Brook University. My areas of interest include horror and the supernatural/paranormal.