My Small scale research project will be focusing on the two character archetypes of typical horror conventions such as an innocent, helpless victim or the possessed, evil child, and how this is effective for a successful horror film.
First draft title
For my small scale research project I am researching the topic of how children are presented in horror films and how this leads to different character archetypes in the film industry, and also why this is an effective and (essential?) character type to have in horror films. The possible title for my research project could be 'Children in horror: The innocent and the evil...' because I will exploring the two different types of characters that children represent in horror films, and discussing if this is an effective technique to have in horror, does it fulfill the purpose of a horror film? (e.g. to be scary and effective on the spectator)
My Primary Research
Focus Film
My focus film will be 'The Babadook' (2014, Jennifer Kent) A widow dealing with the death of her husband is faced with her son's fear of a monster, discovering there is a presence around her and her son. This film not only uses one of the character archetypes, but also challenges this to an extent where the innocent child becomes the hero. This will help me with my research because this films portrays an individual, naturalistic style of horror using this different approach to children in horror.
Related Films
- 'Case 39'. I have chosen to closely study this film because it relates to my investigation as its key themes and values of children represent these character archetypes that appear to be recurring in many modern horror films. The film is about 10 year old Lilith (Jodelle Ferland) who is trapped in the hands of her cruel parents, Emily (Renne Zellweger) who is a social worker, takes Lilith into to custody and gradually finds out that Lilith isn't the innocent child she makes out to be.
- I will also be studying 'The Omen' (1976, Richard Donner) as one of my related films. I have chosen to study this film because it an old classsic horror film that portrays the character of an evil child with sinister characteristics and values. I think this will be useful in my research because I am going to compare this to modern day horror and how different and complex it is, also if there are any changes in character archetypes or differences bewteen popularity of these specific character roles.
Internet Research
- Purpose of children in horror films, children aren't supposed to be scary.
-Guide to the most creepy kid films
Other related films involving 'creepy' children
- The Exorcist
- Insidious (2011)
- The Woman In Black (2012)
- The Boy (2015)
- Mama (2013)
- Halloween (2007)
Possible key scenes to study
- 'Case 39' The seen when Lilith gets rescued by Emily from her cruel parents and takes her home.
Notes: This overall theme of 'creepy' children in horror films can also be linked to the other important issue that rises from having children play the antagonist in horror is that most are female characters? But why is a creepy child associated as a young girl most of the time? Why does horror also associate with scary toys and creepy, twisted nursery rhymes?
Children in modern horror, compare to old films such an the omen and/or innocence
Other related films involving 'creepy' children
- The Exorcist
- Insidious (2011)
- The Woman In Black (2012)
- The Boy (2015)
- Mama (2013)
- Halloween (2007)
Possible key scenes to study
- 'Case 39' The seen when Lilith gets rescued by Emily from her cruel parents and takes her home.
Notes: This overall theme of 'creepy' children in horror films can also be linked to the other important issue that rises from having children play the antagonist in horror is that most are female characters? But why is a creepy child associated as a young girl most of the time? Why does horror also associate with scary toys and creepy, twisted nursery rhymes?
Children in modern horror, compare to old films such an the omen and/or innocence
This is definitely feasible as a project. In the last lesson we talked about transformation of children as being the focus - and I think this will work. We need to refine your title so that it isn't a question. We discussed making Babadook your focus film, which can work well, but it will be important also to have at least 1 film with lots of secondary material (eg The Omen/The Innocents). You should also look at 'The Devil's Backbone' - a brilliant Spanish film I can lend you.
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