Representation of men and women in horror films:
Traditionally, women are represented as the damsel in
distress and are attacked by the killer because they’re weak. In contrast men
are portrayed as strong and heroic characters that always triumph over the
evil. However, these representations
came from when women had less rights and men dominated. Due to the rise in
feminism and cultural as well as society changes, these roles and
representations have been somewhat altered. For example, women are seen to
outsmart killers and solve the mystery; this is seen in ‘Scream’ when female
character Sidney overpowers the killer. Following this, some movies have
strayed away from the whole idea of representation completely, and focus more
on men and women working together to escape from the killer or death; this is seen
in the ‘Saw’ movies.
Following traditional representations, men are seen to be
the killers, bad guys and monsters rather than women. This again is due to the
power men had rather than women. However, in recent years this has once again
changed do to the growing power of women. For example in ‘Jennifer’s Body’ the
character of Jennifer Check is possessed by witchcraft, making her into an evil
monster that kills men. Within our opening sequence we are going to stick to the conventions of women being weak and vulnerable, however we are not revelealing the gender of the killer leaving it up to the audiences imagination and assumptions.
Stereotypes are often commonly used within the horror genre, but range from different roles. For example, there is the hero, who is usually male, who aims to triumph over evil and defeat the evil character, all whilst attempting to help others. This stereotype is useful as it can help to establish a key character or figure that men can relate to, and that women can lust after. However, in more recent years women have started to adopt this role as conventions change, for example, Nicole Kidman's character Grace Stewart plays the hero for her children in 'The Others'. Another stereotype is the hysterical, over-emotional character. This character is typically female and will be so shell-shocked by the events that have taken place that they will be too afraid to move or leave the area they are at, therefore causing imminent death or a game of catch and mouse. For example, Erica Leerhsen's character in 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'. This stereotype provokes female audiences attention as they can empathise with them as they can relate to their hysterical tendencies. Furthermore it creates suspense as this character is on the edge already and in an erratic mood, therefore anything could happen at any time.
However, even though stereotypes can be very effective when establishing characters and creating suspense and tension, they can also be seen as embarrassing and stereotypical- but not in a good way. Sometimes instead of creating tension and negative vibes, they create humour and are branding as 'funny' 'stupid' horror films, which many not always be what the director is aiming for. For example, 'The Human Centipede' was not aimed to be a funny horror, however due to the casting of ditzy female characters, and the initial idea of them being tied up together in such a way, it is seen more as a comedy horror than a serious mad scientist creating a 'pet'.
In my horror film, I will aim to use stereotypes in a positive, effective way. I will aim to use the 'female hero' to make a female audience relate and feel empowered, therefore supporting and empathising with the character. Furthermore I will avoid the hysterical character as it will be too much of a strong contrast with my powerful heroine, and it may also fall into the 'funny horror' category if I used such drastic opposites.
Stereotypes are often commonly used within the horror genre, but range from different roles. For example, there is the hero, who is usually male, who aims to triumph over evil and defeat the evil character, all whilst attempting to help others. This stereotype is useful as it can help to establish a key character or figure that men can relate to, and that women can lust after. However, in more recent years women have started to adopt this role as conventions change, for example, Nicole Kidman's character Grace Stewart plays the hero for her children in 'The Others'. Another stereotype is the hysterical, over-emotional character. This character is typically female and will be so shell-shocked by the events that have taken place that they will be too afraid to move or leave the area they are at, therefore causing imminent death or a game of catch and mouse. For example, Erica Leerhsen's character in 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'. This stereotype provokes female audiences attention as they can empathise with them as they can relate to their hysterical tendencies. Furthermore it creates suspense as this character is on the edge already and in an erratic mood, therefore anything could happen at any time.
However, even though stereotypes can be very effective when establishing characters and creating suspense and tension, they can also be seen as embarrassing and stereotypical- but not in a good way. Sometimes instead of creating tension and negative vibes, they create humour and are branding as 'funny' 'stupid' horror films, which many not always be what the director is aiming for. For example, 'The Human Centipede' was not aimed to be a funny horror, however due to the casting of ditzy female characters, and the initial idea of them being tied up together in such a way, it is seen more as a comedy horror than a serious mad scientist creating a 'pet'.
In my horror film, I will aim to use stereotypes in a positive, effective way. I will aim to use the 'female hero' to make a female audience relate and feel empowered, therefore supporting and empathising with the character. Furthermore I will avoid the hysterical character as it will be too much of a strong contrast with my powerful heroine, and it may also fall into the 'funny horror' category if I used such drastic opposites.
