Independent Research- Props In A Horror Film

Props play a key role within horror films as they are what makes the film memorable. This is what brings the film to life and makes it scary for the audience to watch. If a film were not to have props the actors would not be able to act properly as they can only do so much. A prop allows extra information to be added to a character as we can learn more about them depending on what the prop is. Props can also be added to characters clothing to give them that little extra detail. Stereotypical props suited to the horror genre include things such as knifes, masks and dark clothes.

Its typical for horror films to have a signature weapon that the killer would be using. This is normally there trademark weapon and is recognisable throughout their series of films. It normally becomes a famous piece of iconography. These signature weapons make any killer within horror films instantly recognisable due to how famous they are. These props help to make the films stand out in the horror genre as they are normally simple everyday items such as a mask or a blade, however due to how they are being used within the film they establish themselves within the horror genre as they make the audience nervous or put them on edge whenever they appear on screen. When these props appear on screen the audience can be certain that the killer is about to make their move.

Ghostface Mask from the "Scream" films

Freddy Krueger's Glove from the "Nightmare On Elm Street" films