representation of women in horror

Throughout horror film history Women have been given similar roles and been portrayed in a certain way. Frequently this role is passive as opposed to the active role of males, whom are often saving these girls from danger. These female characters are often attractive and young. This became even more obvious in the nineteen sixties and seventies due to the sexual revolution and the relaxation of censorship laws that subsequently happened. This idea however is evident, even in the early silent horrors where shots of females screaming helplessly were common.

  Post nineteen sixties, women were represented with less clothing and were allot more provocative. Historically major changes in society have always caused moral panics and this was no exception. Many film makers began to portray these women very negatively. Many times, women in horror films are killed for taking part in sexual activities or for drug use and so on, anyone that would oppose conservative America would meet a bad fate.

Carol J. Clover coined the famous term “final girl”, referring to the last female character at the end of a horror film who either survives or defeats the “killer”, whatever it may be. Although this character was female, she often undertook more male traits and may have a unisex name.

Props/costume list.

The props that I am planning to use are as follows.

·        Fake knife

·        Fake blood

·        Unusual Pendant/necklace

·        Torch

·        Face makeup

The costumes will be stereotypical teenage clothing, to make the viewer’s connect to the actors. Even the killer will be wearing clothes that are not completely out of the ordinary as it makes the deranged character seem normal at first glance. Although the clothes should be unique so that he/she is recognisable.

Recce report

I have planned to use an ordinary house as I feel It gives it a sense of possibility that what happens in the film, could happen anywhere, to anyone. Also the house that we have chosen has a basement which could work well as it is a generic location in relation to horror films.

The second location I am using is the beach as it ties in with the narrative of our film’ the pendant is thrown out to sea and a group of teenagers find this pendant washed ashore.

The last location will be a forest or wooded area, I want the shade of the tree to make the scene look dark and also to cast shadows across the actors faces.

Other possible locations could be general streets and roads to act as fillers when the pace of the trailer increases near the end. Short shots that mix up the narrative of the trailer are common within film trailers.

audience research



According to http://www.audiencetargeting.com/entertainment.jsp#28

These are some key demographics.

 Gender

Male        54.98%

Female     45.02%

  Age

18-24        22.4%

25-54        53.4%

House hold income

$40-60k     15.8%

$60-75k     13%

$74-100k   15%

$100k        21.7%

13.37x more likely to visit a 'Games - Gaming Information' sites than the average internet user

18.57x more likely to visit a 'Games' sites than the average internet user

24.86x more likely to visit a 'Services - e-mail' sites than the average internet user

main idea of film

The Main idea of our trailer is dealing with possession and characters turning crazy. The main character will show progressive anger and signs of turning against his friends. Eventually this character will attack his friends with weapons and they will have to figure out why he is doing so. The reason for this possession is because of an old necklace that is found, whoever is in possession of this necklace for any extended amount of time will show signs of craziness and attachment.