Representation Research

Representation Research

1. Gender

   • Females stereotypically portrayed as weak and helpless.
   • Males stereotypically portrayed as the masculine hero.
   • Gender equality.
   • Horror films - usually a female victim in distress. Usually a male antagonist.
   • Males seen as stronger and threatening, females seen as the weaker victims in the films e.g. The Exorcist, The Silence of the Lambs.

2. Race

   • Majority of cast in horror films are caucasian.
   • Lack of black influence in the horror genre.
   • Could argue that horror films have not developed in the modern film industry in terms of equality.

3. Sexuality

   • Females often objectified through their body features.
   • Men sometimes stereotypically seen as predators - only after sex.
   • Stockholm Syndrome - stereotypically women who find attraction in their submissive state as the victim. Men seen as the dominant individual.
   • Some criminals powered by sexual desire or sexual identity e.g. The Silence of the Lambs

4. Disability

   • In terms of horror - if physically disabled, usually struggle to escape from the antagonist - unfair disadvantage.
   • Common to see that the antagonist in horror films struggles with psychosis.
   • Psychological disabilities - e.g asylum setting - patients are not necessarily the evil ones.
   • Disabilities are portrayed negatively.

5. Age

   • Typically teenagers who are the victims.
   • Very young and very old are not commonly featured in horror films.
   • Portrays teens as being naive and devious.
   • Young characters usually rely on more authoritative older character to intervene.

6. Regional Identity

   • Usually American
   • Antagonist/Evil Person tends to have an English accent - could link to the War of Independence.
   • North America
   • English horror films are typically set in London or the countryside.