From Victim to Hero: The Rise of Women in Horror
Elvira tells Gruemonkey what it means to her to be a Woman in Horror:
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Back in the 80’s when I hosted my TV show, Movie Macabre, we mainly featured horror movies from the 50’s, 60’s and early 70’s. I couldn’t help but notice that being a woman in a horror movie basically meant you were the hapless victim. The lead roles went to the guys, whether they portrayed the ‘monsters’, the lead or the hero who ultimately saves the ‘damsel in distress’. Men were not only the lead actors but the producers, writers and directors of the films as well.
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As time went on, things began to change, at least on screen. My horror heroin’s in the late 70’s and early 80’s began to look different. They were females like Sissy Spacek’s “Carrie”, an emotionally abused teen who takes her revenge on the many bullies in her life, and Ripley, Sigourney Weaver’s strong, kick-ass, take no prisoners character in the Alien series.
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I’m happy to say that today, female actors are no longer just the bimbo’s and victims in horror movies, but intelligent, curious, strong characters who can be the monster or the protagonist.
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According to the GD-IQ (Geena Davis Inclusion Quotient) Horror is the only film genre where women appear and speak on camera as often as men. Not only are they finding equality in the acting world of the horror genre, but more and more women are emerging as producers, writers and directors of horror films.
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I’m proud to say that I am a part of an industry that recognizes women for their accomplishments, abilities and creativity. Women in horror are here to stay – no longer just as victims, but as survivors and hero’s too.
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: Elvira Mistress of the Dark!!
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