Overview
WATCH EITHER:
Ringu (Nakata, 1998) and The Ring (Verbinski, 2002)
OR
Ju-On (Shimizu, 2001) and The Grudge (Shimizu, 2004)
READ THE FOLLOWING TWO ESSAYS:
ONE. “The Transpacific Complicity of J-Horror and Hollywood,” Seán Hudson
TWO. “Ringing the Changes: Cult Distinctions and Cultural Differences in US Fans’ Readings of Japanese Horror Cinema,” Matt Hills
AND
THREE.
IF YOU CHOOSE Ringu/The Ring, also read:
“Cultural Trauma, Cross-Flow of Aesthetics, and the Child: A Comparison Between Ringu and The Ring,” Bipasha Mandal
IF YOU CHOOSE Ju-On/The Grudge, also read:
“Case Study: Cinematic Hybridity in Shimizu Takashi’s Ju-On: The Grudge,” Jay McRoy
Write an essay comparing some aspect or related aspects of the two films you watch. Draw on the essays, but make your own arguments based on your comparative reading of the films.