The Black Guy Dies First

December 29, 2024 2:52 PM

A definitive and surprising exploration of the history of Black horror films, after the rising success of Get Out, Candyman, and Lovecraft Country from creators behind the acclaimed documentary, Horror Noire.

The Black Guy Dies First explores the Black journey in modern horror cinema, from the fodder epitomized by Spider Baby to the Oscar-​winning cinematic heights of Get Out and beyond. This eye-opening book delves into the themes, tropes, and traits that have come to characterize Black roles in horror since 1968, a year in which race made national headlines in iconic moments from the enactment of the 1968 Civil Rights Act and Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in April. This timely book is a must-read for cinema and horror fans alike. -- publisher / Simon & Schuster

posted by johnofjack (2 comments total)

I watched a Bigfoot found footage horror movie, and the main characters tried recruiting their Black friend to be their sound guy. He vehemently refused, citing this trope. Naturally, his (White) replacement was the first to die. The rest of the movie was forgettable, but I still remember that part.
posted by Spike Glee at 8:10 AM on December 30 [1 favorite]

I liked this, of course for its explication of various tropes but also for its analysis of particular films. It pointed out some films I had never heard of, sometimes reinforced my beliefs about works I thought were problematic, and also made strong arguments in favor of films I either had been avoiding or hadn't liked, causing me to rethink them.

I think it's a good companion to Horror Noire (the documentary, not the anthology horror film--the anthology is fine but is Black horror rather than being about Black horror). I wasn't as enthusiastic as the authors about the various lists within, far preferring their explication/analysis, but overall I thought it was very interesting and I'm glad I read it.
posted by johnofjack at 11:13 AM on December 30