Tuesday, 16 September 2014

Genre Investigation: Slasher

I decided to do an genre investigation into slasher as I created a two minute film opening of a slasher film last year.

I looked at the conventions of a slasher film;


  • contain a lot of gory, bloody scenes
  • numerous deaths
  • underlining back story provides a motive for the murders - sometimes revenge
  • main victim usually survives till the end
  • at least one person killed on screen
  • usually rated at least 15
  • the female is less attractive/virgin/sensible/innocent usually survives
  • the stereotypical 'popular' girl and guy are killed
  • creepy, slow build up to deaths
  • villain has physical deformity and/or mental issues
  • villain never runs - doesn't need to as they are in control and will definitely complete the murder
  • quick camera angles during death
  • unhappy or intriguing endings
  • usually set in remote areas - not urban
  • immediate death/gory scene or quick build up at the very beginning
  • villain's identity is often unknown/hidden by either a mask or lighting/camera techniques
  • villain often has a signature murder weapon 
  • generally darker lighting throughout film, not usually bright and happy

Well known slasher films/series:


  • Saw 
  • Scream 
  • Friday the 13th  
  • Texas Chainsaw Massacre
  • Final Destination

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