2. Slasher Iconography/Characteristics
• The vulnerable female who is
sexualised
• The masked killer (commonly
mysterious and psychopathic)
• The main weapon (usually a knife or
axe)
• Killer murdering a group of friends
8. Codes and Conventions
Slasher films are defined by their repeating
cycles – which are sequels. For example Scream
has 4 sequels and has the 5th one coming out.
There are a huge amount of POV shots within
slasher films and there is a sense of voyeurism
(the act of looking)
9. Character representation
Females play mostly the victim and are always
targeted to be murdered by the psychopathic
killer.
The females are also very sexual in the films –
for example Paris Hilton in House of Wax plays a
very ‘sexy’ female and gets killed after being
chased.
10. • However there is the one girl who at the end
always wins. This character is known as the
‘Final Girl’.
• These girls are desexualised in the film (either
not in a relationship or unenthusiastic when in
one)
11. Teenagers
• Teenagers are consistent in slasher films and
youth is subjugated to the adult community.
• If families are shown in this genre, they are
either sceptical or unsupportive.
• The teenagers are portrayed as people who
are trying to have fun and usually on a road
trip or ending up in a place they shouldn’t be.
