An investigation into exploring the representation of women in horror films. With reference to Resident Evil Retribution 2012 and Halloween 1978 I am going to explore how females are represented in horror films. The representation of females has changed dramatically in society which is reflected in horror films. In general, traditionally women are stereotypically playing the weaker role, involved in danger and attacked by a stronger character, usually played by a male. The key concept of my investigation is representation which the dictionary defines as 1'the action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or the state of being so represented’.i Throughout my research I have found that it is usually the case that women are represented in horror films as being attacked meaning that female characters playing the role of a villain is infrequent. The representations are always constructed through the technical and audio …show more content…
codes and all media go through a process of mediation which as a result, places the audience in a particular position. Representation can be signified in different ways, such as: age, gender, ethnicity, regional or national identity or issues and events. For example, how women are represented in a film can be seen as the film makers’ ideology of the general way women are viewed. There are many set of conventions which have become established in the modern day; the films which break these conventions seem to challenge the representation. The first text in which I am going to study is the representation of women in the movie called Halloween 1978. This film shows victimised women, who appear as less superior. Halloween shows the representation of women as traditional for the reason that the film was set early in 1978 as there was male dominance. Moreover, the second text in which I am going to study is the representation of women in the 2012 film called Resident Evil Retribution. I have chosen this as it provides an alternate view of the typical women in horror films as it implies the sociological change of women’s role in society by presenting women as strong. However, we do still tend to get traditional stereotypical representation since the audience has these expectations. Traditionally women’s representation is constructed as the sufferers and men are represented as the antagonist as we still live in a patriarchal society where women are treated as lower class which is shown in the film Halloween as we see Judith Myer screaming. However, society now values and respects women in society as they understand that there should be equality between both genders. This is shown in the film Resident Evil Retribution as we are made to see Alice as the main protagonist. Despite these alterations, women are still highly seen as objects primarily by men, which is still a huge selling point.The time setting for Halloween was in 1978, therefore, we see aspects from a male viewpoint. Whereas, Resident Evil Retribution was made in 2012, due to the changes we see this subversion of stereotypes. 2Angela McRobbie is a feminist theorist who accepted the fact that some women in media are shown as sexual and at a weaker role, but believes it empowers women and suggests they are clearly better than a lot of men. This links to the movie Halloween where Judith is exposed.ii There are only a few individuals who firmly believe it creates power. 3 Carol Clover has a different view, this may be due to their background. There will always be different interpretations by individuals supported by their cultural competence.iii The audiences have expectations to see stereotypical representations of women as being the victim, suffering and being saved by the male protagonist as most media companies were mainly run by the men. However, they expect some changes, which would have a repetition and difference referring to Steve Neale. This would appeal to the audience to watch the film as it would then challenge the representation. According to Carol J Clover, Halloween is set of fixed tale types. However, John Carpenter says 4‘That’s what people want to see. They want to see the same movie again.’iv This suggests that Carol J Clover does not like the representation of women. John Carpenter suggests that this is what the society wants and will feel more involved. He also used these codes and conventions in the film as Steve Neal stated the film will be easy to market and success can be predicted if there are repertoires of elements. The film Halloween 1978 is of a horror genre, directed by John Carpenter, co-written with producer Debra Hill. 5The narrative is well constructed, creating the character Judith as inadequate. On a Halloween night in 1963, six-year-old Michael Myers murdered his 17-year-old older sister, Judith by stabbing her with a knife. However, on October 30th, 1978 while being transferred for a court date, the 21-year-old Michael Myers steals a car and returns to his hometown Haddonfield. v He had moved there to look for his next victim. This was Laurie Strode along with her friends. I have chosen this text as it is a typical narrative based on a young vulnerable female character. 6The death scene of Judith Myers is significant. Her code of clothing suggests that she is visually sexualised. There are close up shots used in the death scene of Judith for the purpose of creating emotion and tension. The close up on Judith’s face makes the audience feel involved with the characters feeling and shows the representation of Judith as weak and defenseless.vi 7Also, before she is murdered there is a stereotypical representation of Judith brushing her hair from the murderer’s perspective and a low angle shot is used to show her clothing on the floor. The audience is given clues that she is sexually objectified and there is a point of view shot from Michael which suggests power. This hints she will be unable to escape and is destroyed at the end, the time setting suggests this to the audience.vii The soundtrack has been selected to suggest action codes which will develop on the female character and to place the audience in a position. 8Tasha Robinson discusses about ‘The Trinity Syndrome’. She suggests it's only relevant if the character has a key role in the narrative. viiiThis links to Resident Evil Retribution the representation of Alice we see a challenging representation of women as it is selected when Alice is fighting with Ada as it shows two females fighting against each other. I have chosen Resident Evil Retribution because there are the equal numbers of female and male characters who play the lead. The female characters talk considerably and participate. 9This links to Tasha Robinson’s theory as Alice is represented as three dimensional, which makes it appealing. They are represented as a hero or killer through masculine attributes or at times through the code of clothing.ix Alice contributes as the main character in the film; she is captured by the Umbrella Corporation, forcing her to make her emission from an underwater facility in the Arctic Circle, used for testing the T-virus. Resident Evil: Retribution is a 2012 science fiction, action and horror film written and directed by Paul W. S. Anderson. It is based on the Capcom survival horror video game. 10This film conveys women are similar to the stereotype of men-heroic and dominant. There are a number of countless fight scenes, suggesting the control and supremacy of females. In the corridor fight, Alice uses a long chain to safeguard herself succeeding. A high angle shot has been used to allow the audience to view the character and the surroundings. It shows her facial expressions and she is serious and isn't afraid of anything. The medium close up shot has been used to show her power. As well as, the point of view shot is from her perspective because she is the films active narrative agent and the bearer of a female gaze. The audience is unable to see the other characters until she is watching. Overall, it shows her dominance in the film. x At the start of Red Queen, she finds an Umbrella combat battle suit which contains a black pliable full body suit and cut off finger gloves. On the top of the suit is a tight leather vest with close-fitting-cut and straps. Alice wears black high boots with chunk heels. Her hair is neat and a darker shade of brown. The visual codes suggest she is represented as a powerful woman who is happy being independent. She is ready for success and is breaking the representation as well as, the tilt shot was used to introduce the character and there is a soundtrack related to the film, which encapsulates the audiences expectations. There are numerous situations Alice comes across. For example, she escapes from the cell and laser grid defense measure and recognises a girl from her memories through the clone’s experience which advocates the movie has altered the norm. She rescues Becky by using the explosives and destroys the licker to escape with the child. She reaches the surface and reunites with the rescue team. This suggests the rapid change of horror films in which the way the females are publicised. She is constructed due to the plot situations escaping and she is selected to do the tasks rather than a male character. Generally, it would be expected of a male character saving a female however, she was the hero. 11The last fight scene where Alice is shown to struggle she uses the gun and uses her knowledge by firing and Rain eventually gets dragged by the zombies shows strong women. They are fighting one another and a close up shot is used to show Rain's emotion and tension which makes the audience involved. Although, Rain is shown weaker than Alice, the overall representation of women has changed as it shows nowadays women don't need to rely on men; they are independent and it reflects the modern society. xi In general, females are usually perceived as passive dependent on men, with sexual relationships part of their life.
The viewers will always make assumptions based on their appearance and will automatically indicate if there is a chance of the character dying. In contrast, the movie Halloween presents females as weak. For example, Judith dies in the film. This was because the movie was made in the late 1970’s; therefore traditional stereotypes have been used. Moreover, the movie Resident Evil Retribution was made in 2012 so the changes in society have reflected in the plot and there are more rights. It was highly recognised for subverting the stereotype which appealed to more audiences. Above all, the females are represented as sex objects in Halloween. Most people think that it is something virtuous and some people think it as immoral. I believe female representation as sex objects are wrong since it portrays them as weak, they should be equal to men. Nonetheless, being depicted as a sex object should be made after the consent of the
actor. In conclusion, women are shown as vulnerable as this is expected because they are female characters. The film Resident Evil Retribution 2012 shows that women are given vast amount of power and are strong, so the viewers can aspire to become them. I have found out that the image of females is still negative because we live in a patriarchal society meaning the dominance of males is expected. I believe that over the years more females will have a stronger role and can be treated with the same respect that men receive.
Men and women have played gender specific roles, from the earliest sign of civilization to modern society. In the cult classic “Night of the Living Dead”, stereotypical gender role were on display. George A. Romero’s film hinted at subtle references to the role of men and women and depicted the stereotypes America held during the 1960s. Men played the protectors and enforcers, while the women represented the submissive homemakers and caretakers. Romero’s film portrays the sexes, men and women, in their respective stereotypical behaviors. Stereotypes that sets the undertone for the duration of the film.
The reading by Barbara Creed titled “Horror and the Monstrous-Feminine: An Imaginary Abjection”, is an in-depth examination on the role of women in horror films. Creed challenges the commanding patriarchal view, which frequently puts the woman in the position of the helpless victim. She argues that when the feminine is constructed as monstrous, it is frequently done in conjunction with its mothering role and function. Creed’s main thesis supports that the prototype of all cinematic definitions of monstrosity related to the feminine is linked to the woman’s reproductive body. Creed elects to use the term “monstrous feminine” instead of female monster, because for Creed it is the “femininity itself that is monstrous” (41). It has been unfairly
Clover, Carol J. Men, Women, and Chainsaws: Gender in the Modern Horror Film. Princeton: Princeton Publishing, 1992.
Throughout the century gender roles have changed dramatically. During the 60s roles were given to certain genders. Stereotyping them to play the action of what their gender was expected to do. One may believe that a man or women should have a specific role, but as the years came, certain genders stuck up for themselves, making a statement that they are just as capable to do anything anyone else does. The 1968 drama film Night of the Living Dead directed by George Romero is full of gender discrimination. This movie shows the typical actions of how women and males were supposed to act during the 60s; however, the roles played in this film have changed majorly over the years. Women and males have every right to play any role they want in today’s world. Romero may leave the audience angry with how he judges gender roles in
Today’s culture sees a gap between the male and female gender. This is evident in everything from the films we watch, music we listen to, and even in our everyday lives. Historically, this issue has seen an even larger gap, and can be observed in the films that were made during that time. Vertigo and Citizen Kane both show the objectification of women by controlling them, writing them in supportive roles, and placing their value in the way that they look.
These movies allowed female characters to embody all the contradictions that could make them a woman. They were portrayed as the “femme fatale” and also “mother,” the “seductress” and at the same time the “saint,” (Newsom, 2011). Female characters were multi-faceted during this time and had much more complexity and interesting qualities than in the movies we watch today. Today, only 16% of protagonists in movies are female, and the portrayal of these women is one of sexualization and dependence rather than complexity (Newsom, 2011).
Some people might say that these movies provide entertainment and transport families into the lives of princes and princesses. Many critics have said that the films have amazing soundtracks and have detailed and interesting plots. Still, however entertaining the films may be, the way women are viewed and treated outweigh any enjoyment that a viewer could have. The subliminal lessons young women learn from these films have lifelong repercussions and negatively affect the female
Horror films are designed to frighten the audience and engage them in their worst fears, while captivating and entertaining at the same time. Horror films often center on the darker side of life, on what is forbidden and strange. These films play with society’s fears, its nightmare’s and vulnerability, the terror of the unknown, the fear of death, the loss of identity, and the fear of sexuality. Horror films are generally set in spooky old mansions, fog-ridden areas, or dark locales with unknown human, supernatural or grotesque creatures lurking about. These creatures can range from vampires, madmen, devils, unfriendly ghosts, monsters, mad scientists, demons, zombies, evil spirits, satanic villains, the possessed, werewolves and freaks to the unseen and even the mere presence of evil.
Throughout motion picture history, women have experienced more transition in their roles, as a result of changing societal norms, than any other class. At first, both society and the movie industry preached that women should be dependent on men and remain in the home, in order to guarantee stability in the community and the family. As time passed and attitudes changed, women were beginning to be depicted as strong willed, independent minded characters, who were eager to break away from convention. The genre of the crime film represents such a change in the roles handed to women. Two films that can be contrasted, in order to support this view, are: The Public Enemy by William Wellman (1931) and Bonnie &Clyde by Arthur Penn (1967).In The Public Enemy, women are portrayed as naive and/or objects of carnal pleasure by men. In this period, women were often categorized as mothers, mistresses, sisters, or ladies.
Modern day horror films are very different from the first horror films which date back to the late nineteenth century, but the goal of shocking the audience is still the same. Over the course of its existence, the horror industry has had to innovate new ways to keep its viewers on the edge of their seats. Horror films are frightening films created solely to ignite anxiety and panic within the viewers. Dread and alarm summon deep fears by captivating the audience with a shocking, terrifying, and unpredictable finale that leaves the viewer stunned. (Horror Films)
What are the main roles that female actresses typically portray in horror films? Maggie Freleng, an editor of VitaminW, a website that contributes toward the female empowerment movement, expresses her belief that women are cast in “poor and stereotypical representation of women in the horror genre.” Some roles that many women portray that are seen as stereotypical is the sexually promiscuous women and the saved virgin, evil demon seductress, the overly liberated woman, and the most common role the damsel in distress. The possible reason that women are cast with these roles is because of the belief that women are seen as too dimwitted, overemotional, uncoordinated, weak, and incompetent to survive in a situation much like those in horror films. Anne T. Donahue, an author of Women in Horror: The Revenge an article in The Guardian verifies the belief of the females portrayed as the damsel in distress stereotype with the statement, “We see them [women] waiting for a man to save them, we see them running, bloodied and terrified, we see them tied and cut up,
Horror movies have been part of mainstream cinema since the early 1930s when films such as Dracula and Frankenstein were created. As the horror genre evolved, so did the stories in the films. Friday the 13th (Marcus Nipsel, 2009) is a very good example of this evolution. Even though it is a remake, Friday the 13th changed the way horror movies were seen by the audience. The ideas and theory behind this slasher sub-genre of horror films can be summed up in a book. Carol Clover, an American professor of film studies, wrote a book in 1992 entitled Men, Women, and Chainsaws: Gender in the Modern Horror Film in which she described the horror film genre. In a chapter entitled “Her Body, Himself”, Clover describes how weapons play a very important role in horror movies as well as explaining her Final Girl theory. Her book’s ideas changed not only academic notions but also popular beliefs on horror films. The 2009 remake of Friday the 13th implies that Carol Clover’s ideas about 80s slasher films, including male tormentors, the importance of weapons, and the Final Girl, have stayed the same through the years.
Feminism is a movement that supports women equality within society. In relation to film, feminism is what pushes the equal representation of females in mainstream films. Laura Mulvey is a feminist theorist that is famous for touching on this particular issue of how men and women are represented in movies. Through her studies, she discovered that many films were portraying men and women very differently from reality. She came up with a theory that best described why there is such as huge misrepresentation of the social status quos of male and female characters. She believed that mainstream film is used to maintain the status quo and prevent the realization of gender equality. This is why films are continuously following the old tradition that males are dominant and females are submissive. This is the ideology that is always present when we watch a movie. This is evident in the films from the past but also currently. It is as if the film industry is still catering to the male viewers of each generation in the same way. Laura Mulvey points out that women are constantly being seen as sexual objects, whether it is the outfits they wear or do not wear or the way they behave, or secondary characters with no symbolic cause. She states that, “in traditional exhibitionist role women are simultaneously looked at and displayed, with their appearance coded for strong visual and erotic impact so that they can be said to connote it-be-looked-at-ness.”(Mulvey pg. 715). Thus, women are nevertheless displayed as nothing more than passive objects for the viewing pleasure of the audience. Mulvey also points out through her research that in every mainstream movie, there is ...
Feminist theory was derived from the social movement of feminism where political women fight for the right of females in general and argue in depth about the unequality we face today. In the aspect of cinema, feminists notice the fictitious representations of females and also, machismo. In 1974, a book written by Molly Haskell "From Reverence to Rape: The treatment of Women in Movies" argues about how women almost always play only passive roles while men are always awarded with active, heroic roles. Moreover, how women are portrayed in movies are very important as it plays a big role to the audience on how to look at a woman and how to treat her in real life due to the illusionism that cinema offers. These images of women created in the cinema shapes what an ideal woman is. This can be further explained through an article 'Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema' written by a feminist named Laura Mulvey in 1975. She uses psychoanalysis theories by Sigmund Freud to analyze 'Scopophilia' which is the desire to see. This explains how the audience is hooked to the screen when a sexy woman is present. In a bigger picture, where Scopophilia derives from, 'Voyeurism' is also known as feeling visual pleasure when looking at another. Narcissism on the other hand means identifying one's self with the role played. It is not hard to notice that in classical cinema, men often play the active role while the women are always the object of desire for the male leads, displayed as a sexual object and frequently the damsels in distress. Therefore, the obvious imbalance of power in classical cinema shows how men are accountable to moving the narratives along. Subconsciously, narcissism occurs in the audience as they ...
Women have made progress in the film industry in terms of the type of role they play in action films, although they are still portrayed as sex objects. The beginning of “a new type of female character” (Hirschman, 1993, pg. 41-47) in the world of action films began in 1976 with Sigourney Weaver, who played the leading role in the blockbuster film ‘Aliens’ as Lt. Ellen Ripley. She was the captain of her own spaceship, plus she was the one who gave out all the orders. Until then, men had always been the ones giving the orders; to see a woman in that type of role was outlandish. This was an astonishing change for the American industry of film. Sometime later, in 1984, Linda Hamilton starred in ‘The Terminator’, a film where she was not the leading character, but a strong female character as Sarah Connor. She had a combination of masculine and feminine qualities as “an androgynous superwoman, resourceful, competent and courageous, while at the same time caring, sensitive and intuitive” (Hirschman, 1993, pg. 41-47). These changes made in action films for female’s roles stirred up a lot of excitement in the “Western society” (Starlet, 2007). The demand for strong female characters in action films grew to a new high when Angelina Jolie starred in ‘Tomb Raider’ in 2001 and then in the sequel, ‘Tomb Raider II: The Cradle of Life’ in 2003 as Lara Croft. Her strong female character was not only masculine, but was also portrayed as a sex object. Most often, strong women in these types of films tend to fight without even gaining a mark. At the end of each fight, her hair and makeup would always be perfect. The female characters in these action films, whether their role was as the lead character or a supporting character, had similar aspects. I...