Analysis Of Masks

After watching several slasher films, I have noticed that the killers' masks will always be incredibly eye catchy. I was interested in analysing these masks and finding out their meanings. Below, I have deconstructed a few masks.

'Friday The 13th', Jason Voorhees

• The hockey mask idea was introduced in part 3 (1982).
• The director, Steve Miner decided to add the red triangles, to give it a more iconic symbol of modern horror.
• The mask was also enlarged, with more eye space so that Jason's eyes were more visible for the audience. Holes were also punched into the mask, to make it look more unique from the original hockey mask.
• The red markings could visually signify death and blood on Jason's mind.

'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' (2003), 'Leatherface'

• The audience note the mask as being 'skin from his victims'.
• However, the meaning travels deeper; the killer was not able to express emotions himself, so different masks were used to show his change in mood throughout the film.
• The mask itself hides the killer's identity. This is quite conventional - the killer's mask in a slasher covering the whole face.

'Saw', Jigsaw

• The red lipstick forms a grin on the puppet, an unpleasant grin which make the audience perceive the Jigsaw to appear quite sinister.
• The red spirals on his cheeks are indulging and could be representative of his character; trapping those and playing games with them.
• His eyes are black with red irises which gives him an evil look.

'The Batman', The Scarescrow

• The masks compeltely covers the face, only leaving the eyes showing.
• The detail is rough and distorted which links in with his character; bringing fear to peoples' lives.
• The black lining on the mouth area almost shows the character is roaring at his victims.

'The Strangers', The Man In The Mask 

 

• The shape of the mask is similar to the Scarecrow's.
• The mask relates to the film title, as the mask covers his true identity, making him a stranger.
• The black lining could symbolise this idea of the man behind the mask being abnormal - killing innocent people.

'Scream'

 



• The mask is inspired by Edvard Munch's painting 'The Scream'.
• The mask effectively has a contrast between the white and black colour.
• The contrast brings out the black eyes and mouth, pulling the audiences' attention to these features.
• The eyes and mouth of the mask are incredibly daunting due to their size and black colour which could visually signify death and horror. #
• The audience therefore, when seeing this masked character in the film, may jump with shock.