Women in Horror Movies - Terror Derived from Psychology, Mystery, & Fantasy

Shakespearean times these are not- women are not only allowed, but are encouraged to participate in theater. Many people take for granted the female presence on screen as there was a time when the Juliets, Scarlets, and Pocahontas's were portrayed by individuals packing Y chromosomes. The horror movie genre is one most driven by female leads and their repeated portrayal as victims. However, the foundation and influences for females in the horror genre lies not solely in thrillers, slashers, and monster movies.

For many young movie viewers it has been Judy Garland's portrayal of 'Dorothy' that introduced the female lead to their cinema worlds. "The Wizard of Oz" is truly a timeless classic that embodies themes of childhood innocence, companionship, and self-confidence. Not unlike Alice of "Alice In Wonderland" fame, the story takes our heroine to places unknown with unfamiliar faces and audacity around every corner. It is this pair of fictional females that inspire the most frequent of horror movie damsels.

Both Dorothy and Alice react with good humor, understandable curiosity, and occasional frustration to all the wonders that befall them on the yellow brick road and wonderland, respectively. The theme of a curious young woman trying to find her home became deeply ingrained in cinema. While there have been many attempts to improve upon the sincerity and tenderness of these two stories, none have been able to even come close. This pair culminates in what one can consider the quintessential horror movie lead. Alone in the unknown with only her resolve and curiosity leading her deeper into the darkness- closer to men with masks, knives, and murderous intent.

Judy Garland would later inspire numerous actresses in their attempts at horror movie stardom. While some would fare better than others, many ended up like the female lead, Anne Nagel, in "Mad Monster." Retaining a sense of innocence and carrying yourself with dignity and independence is a difficult challenge. Later Janet Leigh would inspire conflicted perspectives in the fear-driven genre.

The events of "Psycho" would not have played out as they did had Marion not decided to steal $40,000 from her employer. She perishes in what many consider the earliest gruesome on-screen murder in cinema - but only because she her crime put herself in harm's way. This psychological slasher film, despite its low body count and incautious atmosphere, cemented itself as the foundation of the genre.

Without Kim Hunter, Taylor would never have learned the secret behind "The Planet of The Apes." He never would have escaped for that matter! The compassionate chimpanzee doctor comes across as one of the only sane inhabitants of the twisted, wicked world. Her intellectual depth and curiosity are the very catalysts that launch the main events of the film. In similar fashion, it would be Anne Jackson's presence in "The Shining" that bred the intrigue, drama, and over-arching conflict as Jack descended into madness.

The mysteries surrounding the life and times of Charles Foster Kane would not have been so bittersweet were it not for Dorothy Comingore's contribution to his life. "Citizen Kane" strikes so many psychological chords in the human mind because it is as much a romance as it is a tragedy. Kane is desperately trying to fill a void that success, money, and aspirant singer, Susan Alexander cannot. Winning and keeping Susan within his twisted, isolated world proves to be a fruitless endeavor.

While Susan knows Charles better than anyone else, it is a mere glimpse of the mysterious Mr. Kane. Much like Diane Keaton in "The Godfather," behind every powerful man is a woman- but they're often unable to see what's in front of their man. It is this principle of power and the sexual overtones that come along with it that inspires many modern thrillers and horror films. Could it be anymore true that the roots of this terror-fed genre retain elements of fantasy, psychology, mystery, and drama?