1. Horror Film Research.
Characters.
Female victim – first introduced in a sexist era and portrayed as being vulnerable
and in need of being protected. Usually they are a pretty/”slutty” kind of girl to
appeal to male audiences. Often portrayed as being stupid/dumb and when
killed its usually gruesome or graphic. Used to build suspense and her behavior
and actions put people on edge, an example is when she jumps the audience tend
to jump too.
Non-Believer – can be either sex, often male. Portrayed as cocky and at ease,
trying to show other characters they are over reacting and that there isn’t
anything going to happen. Overconfidence often leads them to be killed first and
their death will trigger the killings of other characters. Audiences often listen to
their voice of reason and are reassured/calmed by them. When they die the
audience begin to panic as all sense of protection and realize that no one is safe.
Hero –nearly always a male of a strong, stereotypical masculine build. Good
doesn’t triumph over evil. The hero often goes after the murderer/villain and
doesn’t return most of the time. Shows little emotion, stay strong and supportive
for the other characters to cope. Recently the hero has begun to appear as a
female, it challenges the traditional conventions and also makes the film more
unpredictable.
2. Hysterical – usually female. Known to not want to leave the building they are in,
witnessing the murder/death of a friend. Others try to move her, break down
and refuse to move. Results in her staying behind and being killed, or all the
others get hunted down and she is saved until last. Is always killed. The
character has quite an impact; her hysterics build up more suspense and tension.
Evil Villain – can be many forms: serial killer, demonic possession, ghost,
monster (vampire, werewolf, zombie etc.). If they are human, they’ll often wear a
mask, which shows that there is a fear of the unknown, much like Michael Myers.
They never react in a normal/humane way to injuries, such as being stabbed,
they’ll get back up again unharmed, which may hint to the idea of them being
inhuman. Strikes fear into them, they build the suspense throughout the film.
Loved up Couple – usually all over each other when they are killed. They are
typically away from the couple when the first murder occurs, meaning they don’t
know that there is a killer. They become preoccupied with each other that they
do not notice the killer, even when the killer is close. Audiences become
frustrated at how oblivious they are. Usually killed before they have sex. Impact
the audience as they get them frustrated and they put them on the edge as they
also build tension.
Visual Style
Iconography
Themes
