representation in horror inc characters in my film

What is representation?

Representation is the description/portrayal of someone/something in a particular way. Everything on the TV is represented by the media - it is also the meaning attached to the stereotyping represented for the audience. The media can change a stereotypes reputation over time - the media also exaggerate on certain stereotypes. 
Representation is forced through the media in three different ways:

• Audience Position

• Audience Interaction/Propaganda

• Cultural Ideology

The main use of representation is through stereotypes. A Stereotype is a portrayal of people or places through a few obvious characteristics. 

Representation of characters in Horror films:

Characters in horror film are usually represented based upon gender.

Women:

Traditionally- women are represented as the damsel in distress. They are attacked by the killer because they have been represented as 'weak' and 'delicate.' This however, has chanced somewhat over time. It first started out when women had less rights and men were seen as the dominant ones. With the rise of feminism, and changes in society, such as women receiving equal rights, these representations have been getting altered. An example of this would be in the film 'Scream' when one of the female characters outsmarts the killer. This shows that following the changes in society, people are moving away from the traditional representations, and moving with the times to create up to date representations. Women are now seen as being able to outsmart the killer and solve mysteries in present day films.

Men:

Traditionally- Men are represented as being strong, and heroic. They are usually the ones to save the 'damsel in distress' In contrast to this, they are also represented as the killer or the 'bad guy' This is usually a representation of their strength, and power. Although, once again following the movement of feminism- women are now beginning to be represented and being equal to men. Some films have done a gender reversal, having a woman as the killer, and having men seen as the weak targets for the killer. This is evident in the film 'Jennifer's Body' when the character of 'Jennifer' is possessed and turned into an evil monster that hunts down, then seduces men, and kills them. 

General stereotypes:

Stereotypes are used lots within horror films. They tend to differ from role to role, however most horror films tend to follow very similar stereotypes. Here are a few examples of common stereotypes used within horror films:

• A hero trying to conquer evil, and save the group at the same time.

This is a helpful stereotype because it gives people someone to look up to as a role model, a figure to relate to, or someone to lust after. 

•   A hysterical character (typically a woman) too scared to move

This is a helpful stereotype as it often provokes a response of empathy, as people relate it to their hysterical tendencies, however, this stereotype is becoming more of a problem following the feminist movement as it portrays woman as being weak, and dominated by men.

• Young attractive character (usually young, blonde female)  

This can be a helpful stereotype as it makes the film more appealing to a wider male audience, however it is becoming an ever increasing problem both following the feminist movement that say that films are displaying women as 'objects' and to the public eye, as it portrays that women past a certain age, weight, or as simple as having a different hair colour are not 'attractive' to men. 

• A cocky non-believer/doubter (typically male)

This is a helpful stereotype because it gives the audience someone that will reassure them and give them a voice of reason. Although, when this character dies/gets killed it gives them the feeling that all security has gone. This stereotype is very good for keeping the audience on their feet.





Our film will use all the aspects of representation we need to tell the audience what type of characters are in the film. We will try to stick to the conventions of the Horror Genre as close as we can so that the audience can tell it is the right genre of film, for example our main character, Baron Samedi follows the common stereotype of a male killer.