The document discusses the killer subgenre of horror films. It describes the typical characteristics of the killer, who is usually a middle-aged white male with a traumatic past seeking revenge through torturing vulnerable victims like children. It also outlines common mise-en-scene elements like the killer using weapons in dark, isolated locations under gloomy lighting to create suspense. Examples of famous killer films are provided that depict true stories and psychological thrillers about serial killers.

1. Andrea, Moesha & Ria

2.  The killer sub genre is one of the classics. Since Horror has
been around... killers, murderers, and slashers have been hiding
in everyone's darkest dreams.
 Representation of characters:
The killer: usually a middle aged white male with a disturbing
and traumatised past, seeks for revenge or personal pleasure or
other motives by torturing and performing violent acts on his
victims.
Victims: usually vulnerable groups and sometimes children,
(unaware of what is going on and what they are being threaten
by) they are usually chosen by specific characteristics i.e blonde
hair, etc…

3. MISE-EN-SCENE
 Props: knifes, weapons, metal chains or ropes in order to tie
their victims.
 Location: dark, abandoned houses or dirty basements,
isolated areas, etc…
 Lighting: dark, gloomy lighting, there's usually transition of
lighting from bright to dark to demonstrate that the evil has
taken over. This also creates a thrilling atmosphere and adds
suspense.

4.  Costume: The killer is usually wearing dark clothes and sometimes
wears a mask to hide identity, and wears gloves. The way that the killer
is dressed demonstrates that he is in a position of power over his
victims.
The victims are usually dressed according to their age and occupation.
Also in a way that makes them look vulnerable (contrast with the killer’s
appearance)
 Sound: Two types:
Diegetic sound: screams, knife’s slashing, floors and doors creaking,
metallic things jangling, etc…
Non diegetic sound: slow pace, significant soundtrack that creates an
unpleasant atmosphere and adds suspense- (orchestral).

5. EXAMPLES

6. RED DRAGON
In 2002
Directed by: Brett Ratner.
Storyline: A retired FBI agent
with psychological gifts is
assigned to help track down
"The Tooth Fairy", a mysterious
serial killer.

7. THE VENGEANCE IS MINE
In 1979
Directed by: Shōhei Imamura
Storyline: It depicts the true
story of serial killer Akira
Nishiguchi.

8. THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE
In 2009
Directed by: Tom Six
Storyline: A mad scientist kidnaps
and mutilates a trio of tourists in
order to reassemble them into a
human centipede, created by
stitching their mouths to each
others' rectums.