2. Victims
โข In Slashers, the victims are often young and attractive, usually
female. They are often in high school getting drunk and taking
drugs. The main female is usually not very feminine, more the
smart, innocent dull girl who normally survives having to
endure near death in the final sequence. The main character
usually has a group of friends usually involving a fashion
obsessive popular girl and sportsman who die of one by one.
3. Killers
The killers are usually covered for most of the film to give that
element of surprise and shock when we finally realise who it is.
They are often male and have a history of problems especially
during their childhood resulting in mental health issues. The
killers weapon would also usually linked to their childhood,
which is why they are usually hand held e.g. kitchen knife,
chainsaw, machete. They are often silent, unstoppable and are
usually the main stars of the film.
4. Setting
โข The two main settings for slasher films are in suburban
neighbourhoods, cottages or woods. Neighbourhoods
because they are viewed as the safest place possible because
you are around your family and friends so it gives the element
of shock . A lot of the killers can relate their childhood
memories back to their neighbourhoods as well, which is why
its good to set it there such as โScream or Halloweenโ Woods
are also popular because at night they give on connotations
of mystery and the unknown. Cottages also connotes isolation
as there is a lack of population, giving the feel your on your
own.
5. Sound
โข The sound in slashers are very important to the film especially
in the opening sequence. When the sound is at a high pitch
non diegetic texture it connotes that there is a high level of
tension. This usually comes when the killer is in action or
thought to be. Diegetic sound is also used usually when the
victims and killers are fighting, this is usually from screaming
to an item breaking such as a table or glass bottle used to
fight away the killer.
6. Lighting
โข Slashers usually use a mixture of high and low
key lighting to create variation and
atmosphere. Low key lighting is used more
though to create shadows and dark shapes.
The lighting is one of the most important
aspects and conventions of slasher films, as its
important for building a scene.
7. Camera Angles
โข Although slasher films use a range of camera
shots to give more variety the three main
ones which are used are close ups (to
emphasis on the fear of the characters), wide
shots (to show what's going on around the
characters) and point of view shots (to see
first hand what the victims are seeing.
9. Blonde bob cut hair signifies
That she looks young and innocent.
In depth books connote she
Comes from a well educated family.
Smiling while talking to
a stranger with really white teeth. This connotes
She is healthy, appealing and a bit naรฏve for
Talking to people she doesn't know.
Lots of makeup signifies she is glamorous.
10. Knitted jumper connotes
homeliness,. She could
Be a home girl.
A wide shot is used here to view the door next to the character
This signifies that someone is out there focusing the audience
Attention on the door.
Her awkward facial expression could
Signify that she is starting to become
Uncomfortable.
The contrast between the light and darkness
Signifies that she is pure and innocent
However something outside is not.
11. This establishing shot connotes that she comes from a typical middle/upper class
American family with a big furnished house with huge garden.
12. The knifes could foreshadow the weapon of choice for the killer.
Sinister smile could connote she is not all there herself.
13. As the popcorn is building up so is the tension in the scene.
14. Close up shot of concerned face connotes something serious has happened.
Clear screened door signifies that there is something
Outside especially with serious situation.
15. The mist in the garden connotes mystery and the unknown.
Low Key Lighting
Wide shot shows the darkness and fogginess of the garden
Not revealing much to the audience.
16. Close up shot of her hand locking the door connotes that there is an outside
Influence which could endanger her.
By locking the door is could signify that she is safe inside.
17. As the steam rises so does the anger of the killer and the nervousness
Of the girl.
Her gritted teeth and frown connotes that she is out of her comfort zone
And clearly in danger.
18. Beaming light connotes that there is something or someone outside.
Running connotes that she is either in a rush to get/do someone thing or run away from
It.
19. Mouth wide open signifies
That she has made a loud noise
Such as a scream.
Hair flowing everywhere connotes that something
Has made her move really quickly and suddenly.
Screwed up hand connotes she is scared.
Door to the side all black attracts the
Audiences gaze and we ponder what's out there.
20. Eyes closed connotes that she is not engaging and doesn't
Want to be in that situation.
Slouched body and arm across chest
signifies that she does
Not physically feel well. Could resemble
stomach pain or
High heart rate.
Blank TV connotes that she
Has no connection to the outside
World. As its not working it also brings discomfort
As TVs are viewed as comforting.
21. Water on face signifies that
She has been crying.
Hand onto glass and peering eyes
signifies that she is reaching out to something.
22. Glaring eyes connotes that
He is looking directly at something.
Blood on face connotes that he has been hurt or attacked.
Football wear connotes he is
Hand up signifies that he is trying to The boyfriend.
attract someone's attention.
Mouth taped signifies that he
Has been taken hostage.
23. Crouched down connotes that she is hiding.
Eyes looking directly at letter opener
Signifies that she is planning to use
It as a letter.
Videos connotes that her family enjoy movies.
24. Chair through door glass connotes that
someone is defiantly outside and trying to
Scare and intimidate her.
Loss of balance and arm over
Face connotes that she is in a state
Of shock.
25. The fact that she is completely oblivious to the fire and smoke as she grabs a knife
Connotes that something much more serious is taking all of her attention.
26. Cloaked figure connotes that he doesn't want to give away his identity.
The running signifies that he is purposely trying to scare her.
27. Car in the distance connotes help and hope.
Crops signify that they are in some kind of isolated
Farmland away from civilisation.
28. Wide open mouth signifies that she has just seen something very
shocking.
Reflection of mask in the door. The wide black
mouth and curvy eyes and pale background connote a ghost figure.
29. Blood signifies that she has been
Attacked.
Arms open and forward moving connotes he
Is after her
Mouth wide open could signify that she is trying to speak
To someone.
30. Car pulling in signifies that someone has come home most
Likely her parents.
31. Mouth wide open and eyes narrowed connotes that she has
Witnessed something very shocking.
Fists tightened and arms to chest signifies that she is mortified at the sight of her dead daughter.
