Research into masks

We have decided that we will most likely have a masked killer in our teaser trailer so we researched into why masks are effective in horror movies.

Scream

• A mask covers up the attacker and makes them anonymous and mysterious
• A mask makes people unable to tell if the person who is attacking them is known or a stranger - most people would say that being killed by a complete stranger scarier than being killed by someone you know
• By the killer wearing a mask, the audience is dragged into the film as they want to know who or what is behind it
• A mask can also symbolize extra power or superhuman powers. For example, Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th was bought back from the dead by his hockey mask in Jason Lives: Friday the 13th Part VI
• A mask hides the characters real self, "putting on a mask". It also hides any expression or pain on the characters face which could create more fear in the audience and makes them seem almost superhuman

Most popular villains in masks:

• Leatherface ('The Texas Chainsaw Massacre') - mask made of human skin   
• Michael Myers ('Halloween') - pale, plain mask
• Jigsaw ('Saw') - clownlike mask

Leatherface - 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'

Jigsaw - 'Saw'