Gender Representation in Thriller and Horror films

Males

Both genders are very stereotyped in in horror and thriller films. Men are usually portrayed as being very physically and mentally strong, especially protagonists, or the “hero”. Men tend to be less emotional than women. Men tend to take more active roles, and more of a team leader than females. Males in horror and thriller films tend to be brave and usually clever, however usually come across as mysterious, and often battle their own inner                                   “demons”, especially in thrillers. For example, Alex Cross’ character in "Along Came a Spider" is portrayed as mysterious, and very intelligent. Alex Cross is also African American, which is a representation of ethnic minorities, which are usually side lined in horror films, apart from in urban horrors such as Attack the Block. There has also been a rise in Afro-Caribbean male protagonists in thriller and horror films, such as Denzel Washington in "Training Day".

Male characters are often seen as the “lone hero”, and have a lot of independence. Alex Cross eventually loses his female sidekick, and manages to solve the crime alone. This is also true of male antagonists, who are often portrayed as isolated but have power. Males often restore the new equilibrium at the end of the film.

Females

Women in thriller and horror films often portray a variety of roles, younger females tend to have a sense of purity and innocence, and however older women are portrayed as having great sexual appeal and can be mothers.

In 1953 thriller "Niagra", Marilyn Monroe portrays an adulteress who plots to kill her husband. This character is seen as seductive and sly, and not a great contributor to the society, and is someone who is not in a role to restore the equilibrium at the end.

Women in thriller and horror films are usually portrayed as being passive and dependent upon men. Women usually are not the protagonist, or feature any characteristics that would help to solve the issue, such as intelligence. There is usually a “final girl” in horror films, who is seen as “virginal” and does feature some masculine traits, such as independence, and a unisex name.

 The “final girl” in “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” is Sally. She is portrayed as young, beautiful and possesses the male characteristic of being strong-willed. She is the character who survives in the end, and helps to restore the equilibrium.
Both genders are greatly stereotyped as however in very different ways. Men are usually portrayed as being very masculine and the heroes, whereas women are seen as being very passive and not independent.