Ben Mangelsdorf | Scary Studies

Ben Mangelsdorf is a writer living in Boulder, Colorado. He enjoys horror films, writing poetry, rock climbing, and the Beach Boys. He enjoys taking an analytical look at pop culture and believes that even the most mundane art has value.

Scary Stories

Blood in the Words: The Forgotten Art of Horror Poetry

When was the last time that you read some horror poetry? Unless you’re a wide-eyed college student or someone a little too excited ...

By Ben MangelsdorfNovember 12, 20210

Scary Movies

Uncomfortable Liminal Spaces and the Horror Films that Influence Them

You’ve been in a liminal space before. Do you remember that empty playground that you sat at while you waited for your parents ...

By Ben MangelsdorfNovember 4, 20210

Horror TV

Treehouse Tropes: A Parody Extravaganza in “I Know What You Diddily-Iddily-Did”

In 1999, the Simpsons released the tenth installment of their well-lauded Halloween series, “Treehouse of Horror.” It features a number of incredibly timely ...

By Ben MangelsdorfOctober 6, 20210

Scary Stories

The Cold, Dark World of Icelandic Horror

“Do you have any Icelandic horror movies?” That was the first question I asked after ducking into a hole-in-the-wall DVD store in downtown ...

By Ben MangelsdorfSeptember 27, 20210

Scary Stories

Creepypasta: A Guide to Horror Stories in the Digital Age

Horror is, in a way, a historical artifact. Our scary stories reflect what we are frightened of and offer deep insights into certain ...

By Ben MangelsdorfAugust 25, 20210

Scary Movies

Danse Macabre: Ballet and Dance in Horror Cinema

The impact of the danse macabre cannot be understated. The artistic movement, whose name literally translates to “dance of death,” is generally thought ...

By Ben MangelsdorfAugust 4, 20210

Horror TV

Treehouse Tropes: Body Horror in The Simpson’s “Fly vs. Fly”

Here’s a riddle for you. What do skin-eating mutants, caramel-glazed fish, and sugar-guzzling fly-human hybrids all have in common? Okay, yes, they’re all ...

By Ben MangelsdorfJuly 20, 20210

Scary Art

The Art of Extreme Haunted Attractions: The Scariest and the Most Wicked

You’re walking through darkness. Leaves crunch under your feet, and the chilled October air tickles threateningly around your shoulders. You can feel your ...

By Ben MangelsdorfJuly 12, 20210