Slasher films

Definition

Slasher films are a subgenre of horror movies that typically involve a killer stalking and murdering a group of people, often with a sharp weapon. They are known for their graphic violence, suspenseful plotlines, and a formulaic structure where characters, often teenagers, become targets of the killer. This genre plays with themes of fear, morality, and the consequences of youthful recklessness.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Slasher films emerged as a popular genre in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with iconic examples like 'Halloween' and 'Friday the 13th' shaping its conventions.
2. The genre often features a masked or anonymous antagonist, which adds to the suspense and fear as their motives remain unclear.
3. Slasher films typically follow a specific formula: introduction of characters, establishment of normalcy, disruption through violence, and resolution often centered on the final survivor.
4. Many slasher films include commentary on social issues such as sexuality, drug use, and moral decay among youth, reflecting societal fears during their time of release.
5. The popularity of slasher films has led to numerous sequels and remakes, highlighting their lasting impact on pop culture and the horror genre as a whole.

Review Questions

• How do slasher films utilize specific tropes like the Final Girl to enhance their narratives?
  • Slasher films often use the Final Girl trope to create tension and engage viewers. This character usually starts as an innocent figure who survives longer than others due to her moral choices. By positioning her against the killer in a final showdown, the narrative explores themes of survival and redemption. This structure not only emphasizes traditional gender roles but also allows audiences to invest emotionally in her fate.
• Analyze how slasher films reflect societal fears and values during their era of popularity.
  • Slasher films emerged during a time when societal anxieties about youth culture were prevalent, particularly concerning sexuality, drug use, and rebellion. The graphic violence depicted often mirrored public fears about crime and moral decay. By portraying characters who engage in risky behavior meeting violent ends, these films serve as cautionary tales while also providing commentary on social norms and expectations.
• Evaluate the evolution of slasher films from their origins to modern interpretations, including how they have adapted to changing audience expectations.
  • Slasher films have evolved significantly since their inception in the late 1970s. Initially focused on straightforward horror elements with clear moral lessons, modern interpretations often blend genres or incorporate self-awareness through meta-narratives. Recent films may critique traditional slasher conventions or infuse humor while maintaining elements of suspense and terror. This evolution demonstrates how filmmakers respond to changing audience expectations while still tapping into fundamental fears present in society.

Related terms

Final Girl: A trope in slasher films where the last surviving female character confronts the killer, often embodying innocence and virtue.

Jump Scare: A sudden shock moment in horror films designed to provoke a quick reaction from the audience, often used in slasher films to create suspense.

Psychological Horror: A genre that focuses on the psychological states of characters, often exploring fear and anxiety, which contrasts with the physical terror seen in slasher films.