Representations of Gender In Horror Movies

1. Representations In Horror
Movies

2. Women Stereotypes In Films
 Traditionally women are represented in horror films as the damsel
in distress and are usually being attacked by the killer because
they have committed a sinful act. Horror films, and the slasher
subgenre, are famous for portraying women as damsels in
distress who are usually murdered within the first five minutes of
the film.
 This idea is reinforced in the film Carrie. Carrie White is a
teenager aged 16. She is a student at school in America, and
therefore is seen to be a normal girl. However is unlike,
stereotypical teenagers and this is what characterises her as the
main subject in the horror movie. She is seen to be an outcast,
taunted and bullied by her fellow students and own mother.
Margaret White is a mentally ill, unstable mother. She thinks
mainly about the female body and sex, which is seen to be sinful
due to her religion.
 The two main women are women and they are perceived as
vulnerable characters but with powers that an unimaginable.

3. Women
 Women are traditionally represented as the damsels in distress such as in “Psycho” who were
being punished for their sins by men. However with the influence of feminism and the new
ideology of powerful women our modern culture no longer sees women as victims but as strong
women in both hero and killer characters such as in “Jennifer’s Body”.
 The horror genre itself is influenced by what our culture perceives as horrific; war, terrorism,
global issues, political issues all affect what society fears. This has what has changed the horror
genre and why women are represented now no longer as the victims but strong, powerful
heroes and even killers because women have more power in society; which is the fear of
traditional anti-feminists.
 Whereas a global fear is terrorism which is why the horror films today such as “Saw 2” focus less
on male and female representation and more on working together to escape from the fear
itself; of death.

4. Children
 In the Possession, Abyzous is a demon that possess and take
over the body of children, which manipulate their soul. It is very
evil and will eventually kill them in the end. This is a stereotype of
demons and evil characters in horror films.
 It is also a common theme that young, innocent children are
the ones who get possessed by the demon. In the beginning of
the film she is seen to be a sweet girl in which the audience all
build a positive relationship with. Although she seems vulnerable
which questions what will happen to her throughout the film.
 As an audience we feel sorry for her when she gets possessed
but we know that is not her real self or character.
 Her parents could also be seen as a stereotype as they are
concerned for their child when the evil takes over. But could
also be seen as naive when the events take place.

5. Males
 Both genders are very stereotyped in in horror and thriller films. Men
are usually portrayed as being very physically and mentally strong,
especially protagonists, or the “hero”. Men tend to be less emotional
than women. While, Men tend to take more active roles, and more
of a team leader than females. Males in horror and thriller films tend
to be brave and usually clever, however usually come across as
mysterious, and often battle their own inner “demons’ throughout
the film.
 Male characters are often seen as the “lone hero”, and have a lot
of independence. Alex Cross eventually loses his female sidekick,
and manages to solve the crime alone. This is also true of male
antagonists, who are often portrayed as isolated but have power.
Males often restore the new equilibrium at the end of the film.