Casting and Sexualization of Women in Horror

 

    I've decided to research this topic because when watching films I can't help but notice the similarities of the stereotypical female protagonist in horror films. Throughout history women in horror films have been depicted as just a body in a film and are often casted based on their looks. This stereotype continues to be used today. 

“In pop culture, women are often objectified and disposed of. But even when we’re not being victimized, the alternative leaves much to be desired.” -Brit Marling

Characteristics of the typical female protagonist in horror films include...

- Woman (female presenting)

- Skinny

- Blonde/long hair

- Tight, revealing clothing

- Deemed as incapable, making the wrong decisions

Real character descriptions of female characters in film scripts...

"Thin, attractive, Dave's wife."

"Her breasts are large, and she's wearing a red sweater."

"mid-20s, trim, very pretty"

    These are just some examples of character descriptions that women are provided with. The words "pretty" and "attractive" are words that are more often than not used in script writing describing women. These words are simply not good descriptive words for the reader to get a visual feel for the character and these have shown the stereotypical women actor "look" in film. 

    Above, you can visually see the physical similarities all of these women and the beauty standards during that time. Casting for these rolls all were extremely similar and shown no diversity. 

    Sexualizing these women, especially in horror films is a topic that needs to be more talked about. Women deserve every right to be treated just the same as male actors are. Women actors can be looked at just for their body and looks, that people often diss the fact that they are very talented actors with a professional career. 

    This interview starting at 1:38 is supposed to be about the horror film Jennifer's Body and Megan Fox is being interviewed for it. The interviewer is saying extremely inappropriate and sexualizing things to Megan and not even bringing up the film at all. 

    This is just one example of how women are continuously being sexualized and seen as no more than just a body in a film.

    Let's look to the more positive side of things...

We've seen a pretty big improvement throughout the years of women actors being casted and creating more diversity. There is still a long way to go, but we are also seeing more recognition for women directing and working behind the camera.

Recent actors in films that have created diversity...

    To conclude, It's extremely important to talk about and interesting to see the stereotypes of women in horror films. This is an ongoing issue that needs to be more recognized and talked about so that more change can occur.