Slasher Films

Definition

Slasher films are a subgenre of horror cinema characterized by their focus on a mysterious or psychopathic killer who stalks and murders a group of people, often using brutal and graphic violence. These films typically involve a clear antagonist, suspenseful buildup, and a final girl archetype who confronts the killer. This genre plays heavily on psychological tension and the fear of the unknown, while often incorporating elements of dark humor and satire.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The slasher genre gained popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with iconic films like 'Halloween' and 'Friday the 13th' setting the standard for the genre.
2. Common tropes include the use of POV shots from the killer's perspective and a focus on teenagers or young adults as the primary victims.
3. Slasher films often feature an isolated setting, such as a summer camp or a suburban neighborhood, which heightens the sense of vulnerability among characters.
4. Music plays a significant role in building tension; for example, John Carpenter's score for 'Halloween' is famous for its chilling simplicity that adds to the suspense.
5. Critics argue that slasher films reflect societal fears and anxieties, often serving as commentaries on issues like sexuality, morality, and violence in contemporary culture.

Review Questions

• How do slasher films utilize specific tropes to build suspense and engage the audience?
  • Slasher films commonly use tropes such as point-of-view shots from the killer's perspective and isolated settings to create suspense. By focusing on young adult characters in vulnerable situations, filmmakers intensify viewer anxiety as they anticipate brutal confrontations. The structure often leads to jump scares and a gradual increase in tension, compelling audiences to engage with both fear and curiosity about the unfolding events.
• Discuss how the concept of the 'final girl' reflects themes present in slasher films.
  • The 'final girl' concept in slasher films symbolizes both survival and confrontation with evil. Typically, she is characterized by her intelligence, resourcefulness, and moral fortitude, which contrasts sharply with her peers who often engage in reckless behavior. This dynamic not only heightens tension but also critiques societal norms regarding gender roles and morality, showcasing a character that evolves from victim to victor as she faces off against the killer.
• Evaluate how slasher films have influenced or mirrored cultural attitudes toward violence and morality since their inception.
  • Since their rise in popularity during the late 1970s, slasher films have both influenced and mirrored cultural attitudes toward violence and morality. They often reflect societal fears surrounding youth culture, sexual liberation, and personal safety. As these films portray graphic violence intertwined with moralistic narratives—where transgressions lead to dire consequences—they encourage viewers to grapple with their own beliefs about justice and morality. This duality makes slasher films not just entertainment but also a lens through which cultural anxieties can be examined.

Related terms

Final Girl:

The last surviving character, usually a female, who confronts the killer in the climax of the film, embodying themes of survival and empowerment.

Psychological Horror: A subgenre that emphasizes the mental and emotional states of characters, often leading to fear derived from psychological disturbances rather than overt violence.

Torture Porn: A controversial subgenre of horror films that focuses on graphic depictions of torture and suffering, often criticized for its excessive violence and lack of narrative depth.