'He Who Journeys into Hell also Becomes Hell': Masculine Trauma and Satanic Panic in American Gothic Cinema, 1980-2000

Through close-analyses of exemplary film case studies I will examine repeated motifs and tropes developed throughout the period, specifically concerned with defeated masculinity and the Faustian pact (as seen in Angel Heart [1987]; Hellraiser [1987]; The Devil's Advocate [1997]) as well as self-inflicted punishment and occult investigation as self-investigation (The Believers [1987]; Jacob's Ladder [1990]; In the Mouth of Madness [1994]). Furthermore, I shall assess these filmic texts' dialogue with real-life, controversial and largely debunked testimonies recounted in Satanic Ritual Abuse cases, the book Michelle Remembers (1980), and in other media such as Geraldo Rivera's television documentary, 'Devil Worship: Exposing Satan's Underground' (1988).