Representations of Gender within the Horror Genre

Gender roles in the film industry are often very stereotypical with the male taking on an active role such as the hero or villain and the female taking on a more passive role or being the victim. Within the horror genre the male is often the killer/villain whereas the female is the victim. We plan to conform to this in our teaser trailer. However, the 'final girl' in horror films may subvert some representations of females being weak and vulnerable as she is normally the only one to survive therefore showing strength and power.

Males

• Killers in horror films are often males.
• They show attributes such as strength, stamina and power
• They are often tall and broad
• They use weapons such as chainsaws and hammers.
• Often they are very violent
• Hero
• The hero is normally male and goes after the killer but never returns
• Often strong and masculine
• They show little emotion throughout the film
• Non-believer
• Although the non-believer can be female they are more commonly male
• Can be seen as cocky and relaxed to make the other characters think that there is nothing wrong
• Normally over confident which means they are one of the first to be killed

Females

• Victim
• They are portrayed as vulnerable therefore needing protection
• Normally young, blonde and attractive. Therefore, attracting a wider male audience
• They can be shown as unintelligent and stupid
• Hysterical Character
• This character is very emotional
• They don't often want to go anywhere even when their friends try to get them to move
• Normally they are killed
• It helps to build fear in the audience as they often scream and cry
• Final girl
• Can subvert stereotypes as they are strong and can seem masculine
• Often the last one standing
• Doesn't need any protection from the male characters