For decades, goth fashion, music, movies, books, and much more have existed; they combine dark elements and take inspiration from other subcultures, such as the punk movement in 1970s England. Consisting of a dark, mysterious, and unusual atmosphere, whether that be Peter Murphy hanging upside down for 10 minutes like a bat whilst singing a song about Dracula. The people who call themselves goth like all things strange. Mainly founded in the UK, people would go to ¨The Batcave¨ where many of these artists would perform.
Music
Peter Murphy from Bauhaus live 2006 UK concert.
The music culture originates from post-punk bands such as Joy Division. In a 1979 review of the band by Martin Hannett, he famously described them as ¨gothic.¨ *Many* people believe Bauhaus to be the genre’s founder from their 1982 hit-single ¨Bela Lugosi´s Dead¨ with its dark vocals, distorted guitar, and rhythm. (Other people believe Jalacy Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ song ¨I Cast a Spell on You.¨is the founder.) Other artists include The Cure, Alien Sex Fiend, Christian Death, Sisters of Mercy, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and many more.
Fashion
Theda Bara in a promotional image for Cleopatra(1917) credit to: Lucas.
The style dates back to the Victorian era, with the¨Gothic¨ mourning clothing, most often after someone would pass away, people would wear black, however, it started becoming somewhat of a ¨trend¨ amongst the people, black gloves, the mourning dresses, black hats, etc. American Film actress Theda Bara can also be given credit. Nicknamed ¨ America’s First Goth,¨ she went against the modest style of the 1920s by wearing revealing clothing she had made herself, heavy *dark* eye makeup, her overall appearance has been an influence. (Notable mention: Maila Nurmi, who played a character named Vampira.) However, despite all this, Peter Murphy and Robert Smith are considered the Pioneers of gothic fashion.
Movies
Bela Lugosi and Dwight Frye in a Dracula(1931) poster Dir. Tod Browning.
An honorable mention is the horror films of the 1930s/40s. Most are based(more so loosely inspired by) on classic literature such as Frankenstein, Dracula, the Phantom of the Opera, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. With their dark atmosphere, heavy shadows, low-lighting, and dramatic camera angles/work.
