The Art of Subversion: How Horror Films Kill the Main Character Early

Horror films often rely on the element of surprise and unexpected twists to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. One popular technique is to subvert audience expectations by killing off the main character early in the film. This not only heightens the tension but also shifts the narrative focus to other characters, creating a more engaging and often unsettling cinematic experience. In this article, we will explore several notable examples of horror films that have used this technique.

Mary Warner Broz

Psycho (1960)

Alfred Hitchcock’s classic, Psycho, is one of the most famous examples of a horror film that kills off the main character early. Janet Leigh plays Marion Crane, initially the focal character. However, her untimely demise in the infamous shower scene sets a new tone for the film and shifts the narrative focus to Norman Bates. This shocking twist not only redefines the protagonist but also creates a narrative and psychological depth that defines Hitchcock’s masterful direction.

Scream (1996)

Another iconic example is Wes Craven’s Scream. The film opens with a memorable scene where Drew Barrymore’s character, Casey Becker, is brutally murdered. Her death early on sets the tone for the rest of the film and introduces the audience to the meta-game of horror tropes. This early and unexpected death not only heightens the tension but also forces the audience to question and subvert their expectations of the genre.

Meta-Horror and Shifting Foci

The Cabin in the Woods (2011)

The Cabin in the Woods takes the subversion of the main character even further. It is a meta-horror film where a group of friends is manipulated by unseen forces. Anna Hutchison’s character is killed unexpectedly early on, subverting the typical horror movie narrative. This shift not only disrupts the audience’s expectations but also raises questions about the nature of horror and the manipulation of media – a theme that the film masterfully explores.

The Mist (2007)

Based on a Stephen King novella, The Mist follows a group of characters attempting to survive a mysterious mist filled with monsters. Thomas Jane’s character, Dave Drayton, experiences significant loss early on. This unexpected death shifts the narrative focus, emphasizing the depth and humanity of the remaining characters as they navigate the dangers that follow.

Surreal Tension and Narrative Techniques

Final Destination (2000)

Paul McGuigan’s Final Destination begins with a character, played by Matthew Davis, experiencing a premonition of a plane crash. After a series of events, this character is killed off early, emphasizing the theme of fate and inevitability. This technique not only heightens suspense but also forces the audience to question destiny and the role of chance and inevitability in their lives.

Hostel (2006)

In Eli Roth’s Hostel, the director pays homage to Hitchcock’s Psycho with a “hero bait and switch.” The film is initially presented from the perspective of Josh, Derek Richardson, played by Brian J. White. However, the audience is shocked to see Josh’s unexpected demise, taken out by a sadistic stalker. This early death not only shifts the narrative focus to other characters but also creates a surreal and intense atmosphere that is a hallmark of the torture porn genre.

Ball Gag Optional

For fans of Brian de Palma’s Body Double (1984), Hostel amplifies the technique to create a more extreme version of the psychological horror experience. The film’s exploration of victim and predator dynamics, combined with its intense and unnerving moments, make it a fascinating and sometimes uncomfortable watch.

In conclusion, these films effectively use the early deaths of seemingly main characters to create tension, surprise, and a shift in narrative focus. This technique not only enhances the overall horror experience but also deepens the psychological and thematic layers of the films. Whether through suspenseful and shocking scenes, meta-horror narratives, or intense and unsettling atmospheres, the subversion of the main character serves as a powerful tool in the arsenal of horror filmography.