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Journal Article
Hell is only a word. The reality is much, much worse
2024
Overview
While the genre of space horror is generically defined as simply space-based horror, there exist specific tropes that can be used to identify representative works. Among these are: (i) a relatively small ensemble cast, (ii) many of whom die over the course of the story; (iii) a secret corporate/political/military agenda and (iv) physical and psychological stresses due to the arduous process of space travel and related isolation. A subset of space horror adds metaphysical elements, drawing connections to Hell, more specifically a liminal space that Victor Turner terms the “betwixt and between.” As the region around and within the event horizon of a black hole fits this definition (like a classical view of Hell, trapping its victims for all eternity), it suggests that black holes could play an important role in Hell-related space horror. This paper analyses three works of hellish space horror – the much-maligned Disney film The Black Hole (1979), the cult-classic film Event Horizon (1997), and the “Impossible Planet/The Satan’s Pit” arc of new series Doctor Who (2006) – and demonstrates how they are representative of the use of black holes as fantastical gateways to supernatural (or at the very least super-natural) experiences with Hell.
Publisher
Mythopoeic Society
Subject
