Stereotypical representations of gender in Thriller and Horror films

Men are usually the heroes in typical media forms, they tend to take on the active roles whereas women tend to take on the passive roles. Visibility in the media has always been an issue as women can be seen as sexual objects, and often presented in revealing clothes whereas men wear suits or typical clothing.

The male gender 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,

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. Women usually are not the protagonist, or feature any characteristics that would help to solve the issue, such as intelligence.Traditionally women are represented in horror films as the damsel in distress and are usually being attacked by the killer because they have committed a sinful act.