The Evolution of Horror Films

Synopsis: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0021814/ Who is the Antagonist? Count Dracula Blood-thirsty vampire in search of humans to feed upon Fashions? Conservative, fancy Trusted of Feared? Dracula is trusted by some, but all that know his true identity feared him Favorite Killing Strategy? Sucking the blood from his victims necks Death Count Caused by Antagonist? 10+ deaths take place throughout the duration (exact number is unknown) Are Deaths Shown in Detail? No; some deaths take place on screen, while others are vaguely mentioned or suggested Sidekicks? Dracula acquires several 'slaves' throughout. His primary sidekicks include Renfield and his wives Happy Ending? Yes; Dracula is slain within the final scenes, giving the protagonists freedom once more Special Effects? None; however, eerie music throughout the film adds to the scary demeanor Technology? The Telegraph is the only form of techn...

Synopsis:   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073195/?ref_=nv_sr_1 Who is the Antagonist? 3+ ton shark Feeds upon beach-goers Fashions? Casual; regualar fashion for the time of release Trusted of Feared? Feared by most Favorite Killing Strategy? Consumes his victims Death Count Caused by Antagonist? 5 human deaths; 1 dog death Includes both young children and the elderly Are Deaths Shown in Detail? No; however, blood and severed limbs are seen several times Sidekicks? None Happy Ending? Yes; The shark is destroyed in the final scene Special Effects? Shark is fake Underwater setting makes the special effects believable Technology? Landline phones Television at hospital, but none in family home The Narrative Theory Equilibrium Phase : It is a peaceful night. A group of friends are drinking around a bonfire. One female decides she wants to slip away with another person attending the get-...

Synopsis: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0185937/?ref_=nv_sr_4 Who is the Antagonist? The Blair Witch S/He is never seen on camera Legend suggests s/he is responsible for many violent deaths within the woods Fashions? Normal fashion for the ' 90s Characters dressed in layers practical for hiking Trusted of Feared? Feared by many; some do not believe in the witch Favorite Killing Strategy? Violent; unknown Death Count Caused by Antagonist? 3 deaths within the film Several previous deaths are discussed Are Deaths Shown in Detail? No; deaths are suggested rather than shown Sidekicks? None Happy Ending? No; none of the three protagonists make it out of the woods alive Special Effects? None; strange noises, substances, and objects add to the spooky mood Technology? The video cameras and equipment are the only form of technology present The Narrative Theory Equilibrium Phase : The three protag...

Horror films have undoubtedly changed over time. As my final project for Pop Culture & The Media , the focus will be centered upon on what makes the antagonists similar/different and how this connects to the Narrative Perspective. The six films I have chosen were released within an 87 year period, beginning with Dracula (1931) and concluding with Truth or Dare  (2018). As you will see, the results relate back to how the pop culture genre has evolved. Please view the specific links located on the homepage for more thorough film analyses. How Did Fashions Change? The fashion changes in this set of films correlate with popular fashion trends at the time periods each movie was released. The characters in Dracula (1931) wore the most  extravagant and conservative clothing, while the characters in Truth or Dare (2018) wore the most casual and provocative attire. Antagonist Reputations The antagonist in the first film was initially trusted. The antagonist in ...

Synopsis: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1179904/?ref_=nv_sr_1 Who is the Antagonist? Demon He has tormented the protagonist since she was a child Most active at night, which is the reason for the video camera Fashions? Casual, normal for the time period Trusted of Feared? Feared by the protagonists and the paranormal expert Favorite Killing Strategy? Only one death; hurls victim Death Count Caused by Antagonist? 1 death (one of the two protagonists) Entity is said to kill another woman, but not within this movie Terror is the main form of torture Are Deaths Shown in Detail? No; the death scene is only a few seconds long  Black & white make it less clear No blood or gore Sidekicks? None Happy Ending? No; the possessed protagonist kills her boyfriend, signaling the end of the film Special Effects? Ouija board starts itself on fire Doors open and close by themselves Character is pulled down the hal...

Synopsis: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2184339/?ref_=nv_sr_4 Who is the Antagonist? American citizens hoping to "purge" certain individuals from society What makes this film antagonist unique is that an entire civilization acts as such Two major "clans" of antagonists working together Fashions? Wealthy fashion; possibly futuristic Trusted of Feared? The poor fear the Purge the most The wealthy have security systems and do not have as much reason to fear Favorite Killing Strategy? Varies (several modes) Death Count Caused by Antagonist? 11 deaths take place on film Hundreds more are suggested to have happened as well Are Deaths Shown in Detail? Yes; this films involves realistic and detailed killings Blood and gore in several scenes Sidekicks? Yes; many worked in teams to purge Happy Ending? Yes (although debateable); 4 out of 5 main protagoinists survived, but hundreds of people were killed Th...

Synopsis: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6772950/?ref_=nv_sr_2 Who is the Antagonist? Calex; demon Possesses game of Truth or Dare (if you do not play, you die) Unique trait: he switches up his mode of murder in various creative ways Fashions? Casual, occassionally provacative attire Trusted of Feared? Some do not believe, but all that do fear him Favorite Killing Strategy? Varies (several modes) Death Count Caused by Antagonist? 8 deaths Injuries non-related to deaths: hand broken with hammer, another cut his tongue out Are Deaths Shown in Detail? Yes; most vivid and gorey deaths between the six films Sidekicks? None Happy Ending? No; demon is not stopped since the only character capable of stopping him dies Main protagonist challenges viewers of her YouTube channel to play as well (therefore cursing them, and giving her longer to live before it is once again her turn to play) The ending opens up possibility for a s...