Genre Research
Genre: Slasher
Content: Killer antagonist, group of young, irresponsible protagonists, isolated locations, final girl trope
Prod. Techniques: Low angle shots to make killer seem imposing and scary. Handheld camera and quick editing during intense scenes. Intuitive practical effects. POV shots on killer or what we presume to be the killer.
Institutional Conventions: Teens and young adults are the target audience. lower budgets. released around fall. young, unknown actors are casted.
Halloween 1978:
This movie exemplifies the slasher genre by using its recognizable masked antagonist, Michael Myers, to hunt and kill a group of teenagers in a small suburban town. It also uses an iconic soundtrack, tense cinematography, and the last girl trope, all of which set important standards for slasher movies to come.
Scream:
This movie revitalizes the slasher genre by combining self-aware comedy with traditional horror elements. It features who we assume to be a single killer who preys on teens while also criticizing the horror movie clichés, and it presents a meta-narrative that respects and challenges genre norms.
Other Examples:
Friday the 13th,
Nightmare on Elm Street,
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974),
Child's Play,
Slumber Party Massacre,
Killer Klowns From Outer Space.
