Kiss of the Vampire Flashcards
(17 cards)
What does the woman’s slumped body language and closed eyes suggest?
That she is weak, vulnerable, and victimised.
What is implied by the exposure of her chest, bare skin, and silky dress?
She is being sexualised, represented as an object of desire.q
What was significant about the 1960s in terms of women’s rights?
Divorce laws, the contraceptive pill, and abortion reform gave women more control over their lives and bodies.
How did the media respond to changes in women’s rights during the 1960s?
Women became increasingly sexualised and objectified, even as they gained more freedom.
How were women traditionally represented in horror films?
As damsels in distress who needed rescuing by male heroes.
How might feminist audiences have reacted to the representation in Kiss of the Vampire?
They may have seen it as outdated, objectifying, and reinforcing stereotypical gender roles.
Why might the female victim have been shown in this way on the poster?
To appeal to a male target audience through sexualization and victimization.
What company produced Kiss of the Vampire and how does that influence representation?
Hammer Studios, a mainstream horror production company, likely followed conventional gender portrayals.
How might feminism in the 1960s have conflicted with the film’s representation of women?
Feminism was still seen as alternative and not widely accepted in mainstream media, so films like this often ignored feminist ideals.`
How is the man on the left represented as powerful?
He is carrying a woman, which suggests strength, and his sharp teeth and the red/black color scheme make him appear dangerous and aggressive.
What does this representation reflect about historical gender roles?
It reflects patriarchal ideas that men were dominant and powerful.
How is the vampire man with wide eyes and defensive body language portrayed?
As a victim—his expression and posture make him seem scared and vulnerable.
What is the significance of showing a male character as submissive or weak?
It challenges traditional masculinity and reflects the shifting gender expectations of the 1960s.
How is the female vampire represented as powerful?
She is positioned above the kneeling man with bared teeth and a raised arm, suggesting aggression and dominance.
Why would a powerful female character be considered unconventional in the 1960s?
Because media at the time rarely portrayed women as aggressors; it reflects the early feminist movement and changing roles.
What could the balance of male and female characters on the poster suggest?
A trend toward gender equality or at least a shift in traditional roles.
What does the billing block’s use of only one female name imply?
That behind the scenes, women were still seen as less important or less involved in the production industry.
