Elevator Speech Round 2

2 March 2016

The trends in horror movies have evolved historically to feature tropes (commonly recurring
characteristics) and newer, more terrifying themes. Womens role as both victim and
monster/terror has allowed for enough material on women in horror to be analyzed. Womens
menstruation is typically portrayed as bringing supernatural powers. Periods are mystifying to
the point of terror, enough to create popular films that revolve around periods and power like
Carrie, Ginger Snaps, and The Exorcist. Along with women-focused stories, the appearance or
mention of menstruation has increased in frequency. In horror films, women fill roles as both
monsters and victims, but have very different motives and manifest their emotions differently.
While only a few horror movies actually feature menstruation, many films feature themes
regarding womens ability to bear children (Rosemarys Baby), the supernatural vagina (Teeth,
which, yes, is a movie about a fanged vagina), or demonic penetration (The Evil Dead).
I want to closely look at the link between the education that filmmakers experienced regarding
sex and menstruation. Education is the key to combating fear, so the connection between
periods and powers must lie in the lack thereof.
I will look at the lore and education about menstruation and womens sexuality at the time of
each films release, as well as the time of each filmmakers childhood. This will help clarify the
connections between the fear and the film. Students who have never learned about
menstruation and havent been taught to speak frankly about the subject may have a tendency
to mystify the female body. The trends of education have been reflected in films throughout
history, and I think menstruation is no different a topic.