"Revelation and Revulsion": The Lords of Salem

In this episode of Shelf Criticism, we dive into Rob Zombie’s 2012 film The Lords of Salem, a surreal blend of witchcraft, nightmares, and unsettling visuals. Join us as we explore the film’s haunting atmosphere, its meticulously crafted imagery, and how it flirts with the line between traditional horror and more nuanced, intellectual storytelling. From the diegetic score to the film's bold color palette, we look at the elements that make Lords of Salem stand out in Zombie's filmography, while pondering the subtle nods to Greek tragedy, and yes, even Peter Greenaway. Is it elevated horror or just pure chaos?