Abstract

Sexual violence has been routinely represented in film since the start of cinema, and these representations can vary greatly depending on the time, director, and genre. In the horror genre specifically, representations of sexual violence are common. Male directors, in particular, create stories of female-centered sexual violence, which can come across as authentic or exploitative. Films such as It Follows and Last Night in Soho display sexual violence in more acceptable ways, while films like All Hallows’ Eve and The Devil’s Rejects exploit the experience for various reasons. The exploitative films have detrimental effects on an audience member’s mentality, as well as a larger society. To prevent these effects, male horror directors should take precautions when telling a story of sexual violence to prevent the exploitation of victims on-screen.

Semester/Year of Award

Spring 5-4-2024

Mentor

Emily Hofelich

Mentor Department Affiliation

Communication

Access Options

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelors

Department

English

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