Masks are an important aspect of the slasher genre, we as a group decided to include a mask within our storyline as it can be used as a tool to induce fear amongst the audience.
As a group we have decided to use designs that are considered to be feminine due to the nature of the plot and the characters that are involved within this plot. The plot is explained in this post.
To summarise, the character who will be wearing the mask, the Temptress, is a prostitute seeking out her victims during the late nights, so we decided to keep the mask beautiful, aesthetically pleasing and complimentary to her features so she is able to attract people who could ultimately become her victims. Although traditionally, frightening masks have been used with images of disfiguration and other dreadful imagery in order to scare the audience, the use of a beautiful mask is more relevant and appropriate.
Design Specification
We are hoping to achieve a mask that would be associated with the idea of beauty, however also have associations with horror and/or mystery. This is so that we can use the prop as an element of foreshadowing as the mask could indicate to the audience the manipulative nature of the character.
- The mask should conceal the identity of the character who will be wearing it. It should cover up the majority of the face, or the entirety of the face.
- The mask should be aesthetically pleasing and attractive, as in context this would be more appropriate. This is so that she can be perceived as attractive by people who are seeking her services.
- The mask should have decorative features and should be highly ornate as these features would allow the mask to appear more feminine.
- The mask should either use dark colours to reflect the dark nature of the Temptress, or light colours and white that are symbolic of purity and innocence which contrast the nature of the character.
- Red should also be used on the mask as it is often associated with violence which correlates with the background of the character who will be wearing the mask
Here are our initial ideas for mask designs:
We initially wanted the mask to conceal her identity, and to be alluring and beautiful, so she is able to attract customers - or potential victims. The juxtaposition between the beauty of the mask and her true self will be effective in creating suspense amongst the audience.
The use of fine details in the mask could be considered as aesthetically pleasing, and could reflect the seemingly delicate nature of the character, which may be how the audience would initially perceive her character as a female who is dainty and delicate. The use of gold shows elegance and beauty. The red heart-shaped lips are bright and bold and could show that she is also bold and seductive. As before, they also lack emotion and creates a sense of ambiguity. This mask uses both black and white which can reflect both sides of her character that the audience will witness. |
| Questionnaire results shown in a chart - Q: Which of these masks do you think would be most effective? Although the survey results show that the most preferred mask design would be "Disfigured face", we as a group have chosen against using this as an influence to the mask design as we have decided that the design should appear to be humanoid, so that we can use appropriate proportions to allow the mask to seem attractive. However, we have considered to use a plain, emotionless mask if we are to use a full face mask, as this feature can allow the character to appear more sinister. |
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