Research and Planning - Asher Erskine

Slasher Films Codes and Conventions

German ExpressionismGerman expressionism was a movement or igniting in Germany during the 1920s, during the period of the first world war. With the devastation the war was bringing to the country, morale was at an all time low; with the citizens of Germany physically and mentally exhausted. To express this new state of disruption through film, elaborate sets were used, with abstract lines and strong contrast between black and white - this helped convey a sense of the struggle of two sides to the war, and the battle the country was growing through. The sets were designed to be psychologically disturbing, and make audiences feel uneasy. Although the movement was short lived, aspects from the style were taken to Hollywood, with German directors moving to America. They adapted the confident use of lighting and shadows, to bring in a new style; Film Noir.

1940s / 1950s

Film NoirA cinematic term used to describe the highly stylised crime dramas emerging from American during the 1940s and 50s. Influenced by German expressionism,; low key lighting, shadows and high contrast were all popular aspects. These were used successfully to convey meaning and emotion, in the narrative around detectives and conspiracies. This was a popular plot during the time due to the rising threat of a communist invasion faced by the USA.

Character Profile

Final Girl

A convention of all modern slasher films; the final girl is the last character survive by engaging in the final fight with the killer / monster. !Usually given a name that can apply to both males and females, with brown hair, the character is designed to relate well with a male audience. Portrayed as virginal and pure, the final girl survives because she is not corrupt, as the other ‘rebellious’ girls are.

Character Profile

Group of FriendsThe group of friends are the characters that fall victim to the killings committed by the monster or killer. Within each group, the characters fall into certain archetypes; which are - the virgin, jock, fool, and intelligent one.

Character Profile

Benefactor

The benefactor is the character that symbolises the wisdom and knowledge that comes with age. As such, the benefactor is normally played by an older actor, and is in a position of power in society; such as a teacher or policeman. The benefactors role is to help the group of friends, and usually aid in the survival of the last girl through advice. In most instances, this advice however is ineffective, and shows how the young adults are now at the stage of life where it is time they have to fend for themselves.!

Character Profile

Killer or MonsterThe killer or monster in slasher films is usually masked; hiding the face of the killer. This serves to conceal the identity of the person committing the crimes, and is important in keeping the plot interesting - it is a puzzle which requires the guesswork of the audience to unravel. Furthermore, the mask serves to add an element of the unknown to the killer, allowing the imaginations of the audience to make the character even scarier. Boasting a range of weapons to help kill off the group of friends, the most popular weapon of choice is the knife. This icon of the modern slasher is used to represent the male gaze, and the dominance men have over women in modern society - the phallic object helps to convey this meaning.!