1. British Horror:
Characters and Representation
Year 12 Film
26/2/14

2. Aims and Objectives
Aims: To continue to explore British horror.
Focusing on characters.
Objectives:
- To explore character conventions within
horror.
- To create character profiles for all characters
in Dracula, 28 Days Later and The Descent.

3. Essay Questions
How far are the messages and values of the films you have studied for this
topic shaped by genre conventions?
Using particular sequences from the films you have studied for this topic,
explore the representation of key characters.
What can be described as distinctively ‘British’ in particular sequences from
the films you have studied for this topic?
How far are the storylines in the films you have studied for this topic typically
British?
How are narrative devices used to increase the impact of horror or comedy in
the films you have studied for this topic?
How is gender represented in the horror or comedy films you have studied for
this topic?

4. Essay Questions
How far are the messages and values of the films you have studied for this
topic shaped by genre conventions?
Using particular sequences from the films you have studied for this topic,
explore the representation of key characters.
What can be described as distinctively ‘British’ in particular sequences from
the films you have studied for this topic?
How far are the storylines in the films you have studied for this topic typically
British?
How are narrative devices used to increase the impact of horror or comedy in
the films you have studied for this topic?
How is gender represented in the horror or comedy films you have studied for
this topic?

5. Characters: Dracula
How are these key characters
represented?
How is gender represented?
Dr Abraham Van HelsingCount DraculaJonathon Harker
Lucy Vampire WomanArthur and Mina

6. Characters: The Descent
How are these key characters
represented?
How is gender represented?
Monsters
Jessica (daughter)
Paul (Husband)
Juno
Sarah
Holly
Rebecca
Sam
Beth

7. Essay
Task: Read through the essay as a class.
• Be as thorough as possible to ensure you have
a clear understanding of all the themes and
terminology.
• Make notes on all the key points as this will be
essential for your essay response.

8. Characters: 28 Days Later
How are these key characters
represented?
How is gender represented?
Selena Jim
ZombiesMajor Henry WestSoldiers
Frank and Hannah

9. Character Profiles
Task: Create a character profile
(PowerPoint/Word document) on each character
for all three films.
Consider:
Representation of Gender
Impact on the narrative

10. Enigma Code
• In an opening sequence film makers ask a
question to the audience, which remains
unanswered for the most of the film.
• This technique is called the Enigma code and it
is similar to a cliff-hanger.
What is the enigma code of all 3 films?

11. What makes these films scary?
Dracula The Descent 28 Days Later
Narrative? Monsters?
Fears?
Characters? Camerawork?
Sound?