Echoes of the gothic: transmedia reinterpretations of Edgar Allan Poe’s legacy in independent films and video games

Angel Torres-Toukoumidis (), Tatiana León-Alberca and Eduardo Henriquez-Mendoza
Additional contact information
Angel Torres-Toukoumidis: Universidad Politécnica Salesiana
Tatiana León-Alberca: Universidad Nacional de Educación
Eduardo Henriquez-Mendoza: Universidad Nacional de Loja. Av Pio Jaramillo ciudadela universitaria

Palgrave Communications, 2024, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract This study critically examines the development of audiovisual and interactive content that draws on Edgar Allan Poe’s oeuvre, with a particular focus on the interplay of transmedia storytelling and gothic elements within these narratives. Utilizing summative content analysis and non-participant observation, this research investigates five films and five independent video games that reinterpret Poe’s literary themes. The results underscore the necessity of incorporating Mythos, Topos, and Ethos in adaptations to faithfully evoke the profound emotional resonance and explore the psychological and existential dilemmas inherent in Poe’s works. Our analysis reveals distinct narrative strategies in cinema and video games: while horror predominates in film, integrating supernatural elements to evoke fear, video games predominantly leverage noir, crafting complex crime narratives infused with cynicism and dark ambiance. Additionally, the study highlights how gothic elements of abjection and sublimity are leveraged to navigate themes of mortality, morality, and the uncanny, thereby ensuring the continued relevance of Poe’s legacy in contemporary media landscapes. This adaptation process not only preserves the essence of Poe’s narrative but also dynamically engages a modern audience through innovative transmedia platforms, illustrating the enduring impact of his work on popular culture.

Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
http://link.springer.com/10.1057/s41599-024-03370-1 Abstract (text/html)
Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:pal:palcom:v:11:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-024-03370-1

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
https://www.nature.com/palcomms/about

DOI: 10.1057/s41599-024-03370-1

Access Statistics for this article

More articles in Palgrave Communications from Palgrave Macmillan
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().