Killers

Secondary Research 

TASK: What can you find out about what has said about killers in horror films in terms of motivation, behaviour, characteristics.

The secondary research I am about to talk about has been taken from class notes. I have gathered all necessary information in order to make a detailed presentation of killers.

Although not conventions, I have found some similar trends within the killers that I will analyse. 

Research

Weapons

Weapons of choice are normal everyday objects and use of them suggests the killers. They are sadistic or masochistic.

Killers stereotypically choose to use everyday objects such as knives. This adds realism to the character as these objects are normally portrayed as 'normal'. This is also adds the emotion of fright as audiences use these items however, not with the same intention. 

Having small objects allows the antagonist/killer to get closer to the victim increasing the vulnerability. They are also sadistic so decreasing the distance would mean they can enjoy the pain to the fullest. 

Backstory

Troubled backstory that defines the character as a killer. Often related to the film's title Halloween/Friday 13th/Nightmare on Elm Street.

Generally, the killers always have a troubled backstory to reflect their inappropriate behaviour for example, neglected as a child, or bullied at school.Having this gives viewers a more clear understanding of the character and future intentions.

Their backstory stereotypically relates to the film of the title. This is because the main subject of the film is the killer. 

Representation

Execute based on moral judgements, sinners get killed. Do the killers represent an extreme version of justice in a society that is loosing its moral compass?

In horror films, the good characters will never be killed for example, the virgin. This is because society sees them as following morals. Other characters juxtapose this, if a character has broken a moral decision such as stealing then this character will be killed off. 

Theme

Resurrection as a key theme, they always come back.

In mainly all horror films, killers can be seen to be superhuman for example being able to disappear or becoming a ghost. This is because it gives the killer more power therefore weakening the victim and making them more of a target.

Mask

Disguised by mask or deformed facial features - isolation from society and the community within. Highlights otherness and makes threat more menacing. Depersonalises the killer for example Freddy Leatherface. 

The killer having a mask emphasises the difference between himself and society(other characters) and also highlighting the binary opposite of good vs evil. 

As well as depersonalises the killer, it also makes them not seem human. Again, segregating the killer from the rest of the characters.