Who was Wes Craven?
Wes Craven is an American film director, writer, producer and actor, known for his pioneering work in the genre of horror films, particularly slasher films, where his impact on the genre was considered influential. Due to the success and cultural impact of his works in the horror film genre Craven has been called the "Master of Horror".
What has Wes Kraven done for horror?
Safe locations
Kraven stated that horrors are more scary when it is done within a safe location, this is because it gets rid of the sense of security within the house. Therefore when the horror is taking place within a home, it leaves the audience feeling that the characters are safe and therefore when something happens it makes the audience feel more scared as it is unexpected.
Absence of Authority
Kraven mentioned that there is reoccurring theme within horror which is this lack of authority, This makes the audience feel more scared as it makes out that there is not much hope. This leaves the audience feeling a sense of isolation for the character, this isolation then leads the audience into a sense of isolation for the character.
Kraven stated that horrors are more scary when it is done within a safe location, this is because it gets rid of the sense of security within the house. Therefore when the horror is taking place within a home, it leaves the audience feeling that the characters are safe and therefore when something happens it makes the audience feel more scared as it is unexpected.
Absence of Authority
Kraven mentioned that there is reoccurring theme within horror which is this lack of authority, This makes the audience feel more scared as it makes out that there is not much hope. This leaves the audience feeling a sense of isolation for the character, this isolation then leads the audience into a sense of isolation for the character.
Example
This clip exhibits Craven's theory that when a weapon is considered 'part' of a killer and it is made human in some respects, it can be seen as more scary because it is as if they are killing someone with just their own body.