Creed's 'Monstrous Feminine' Theory

Barbara Creed came up with the theory that women are portrayed as 'monstrous' within horror films; the idea that female characters are the villain. This was developed from Mulvey's 'Male Gaze' theory.

In horror movie 'Carrie' Creed's theory is heavily used in the fact that the character causes harm to others, even though it's not something Carrie can control.

On the other hand, it's argued that the theory isn't widely used within horror as other villains and killers like 'Freddie Crugar' from Nightmare on Elm Street, 'Jigsaw' from Saw and 'Leatherface' from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, are all male characters.