LA Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies Presents I DREAM OF DEEP WATER

This October, the Miskatonic Institute Horror Studies – LA will explore the depths of underwater horror with I DREAM OF DEEP WATER. From JAWS to Lovecraft, and from the screens to the real-life seas. Miskatonic LA co-director Rebekah McKendry uses cinema, lore, visual arts, and psychology to bring our fascination and fear with the unknown that lurks beneath the waves to the surface.

The summer of 1975 completed changed movie history. Not only did the release of JAWS set the standard for the “summer blockbuster”, it also ignited society’s communal anxiety, fear, and fascination with what could be lurking just the below the surface of the water. The success of JAWS not only led to a slate of rip-off films soon to be dubbed as “sharkploitation”, but also had real life repercussions of pure terror leading to deserted beaches and massive shark culls. However, JAWS was by no means the first or last aquatic horror media to pique our interest in the deep blue. Our fascination for monsters of the abyss goes back to the dawn of man and has traveled with us throughout time, from Jonah’s Whale, to ancient sea monsters depicted in early cartography, to Moby Dick, to the upcoming MEG film.

From unknown ghosts of the deep; sharks, mermaids, gators; and the Great Old Ones of Lovecraftian lore, McKendry’s lecture will examine not only the history of aquatic horror focusing on film, but also will touch on earlier texts and visual arts. McKendry will also explore the psychology behind our fascination with unknown fathoms, exploring the mental intersections of fear and fascination, the symbolism of submergence, and the subconscious primordial elements of the deep.

The Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies – LA: I Dream of Deep Water: An Exploration of the History and Psychology of Aquatic Horror

Date: October 24th 2018
Time: 7:00pm-10:00pm
Venue: Philosophical Research Society
Address: 3910 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Prices: $12 advance ($40 with book) / $15 door
https://www.miskatonicinstitute.com/events/i-dream-of-deep-water-an-exploration-of-the-history-and-psychology-of-aquatic-horror-la/

About the Author

From humble beginnings as a bisexual art kid who drank more coffee than a 40-year-old author, Remy now holds a BFA in Film Production from Chapman University and is a proud member of the HorrorBuzz team (and still a bisexual art kid who drinks too much coffee). They were first introduced to the world of horror and camp when their grandma showed them The Rocky Horror Picture Show at age 5, and never looked back. When they're not writing cartoons or working on movies, one can spot them in various clubs around Los Angeles performing very, very self-deprecating standup comedy. Howdy ho!