Tony Williams article Trying to Survive on the Darker Side: 1980’s Family Horror argues that while 80’s films have similar recurring themes with comparable story lines and were oftentimes seen as ‘predictable,’ the films are distinctive in that they do not follow the normal state of affairs. Williams circles around common themes such as gender confusion, masochism, male dominance, abuse and the use of special effects that were brought to light in the 80’s and are visible in many horror films. Williams provides an example of gender displacement when discussing Friday the 13th and how the audience assumes the antagonist is a ‘he’ when in reality is a ‘she’. Williams also takes Carol Clover’s point of view into account when explaining the assumption that masochism is the primary feature in horror films. In addition, characters’ childhood traumas along with their flawed family values and way of life contribute to the creation of the monster who is portrayed as horror’s most formidable character. The antagonists early life of abuse is ultimately what drives their urge and sadistic want to kill.
While the examples found in Tony Williams article does not directly relate to the film The Stepfather, several key topics are found in scenes throughout the movie especially in relation to a dominant father figure.
The Stepfather wastes no time when showing just how deranged Jerry Blake’s character is from the gory opening mise en scene which exhibits just what he is capable of. While Jerry is dangerous he exhibits characteristics similar to that of Ted Bundy. He can be found charming his way into the life of Susan, he even manages to fool his neighbors as a hard-working fatherly figure, but is not fooling Stephanie. Carol Clover says it best when pointing out that the true dominant attribute of a horror film is masochism or in this case Jerry’s need to kill off anyone he sees as a potential threat of exposing him such as Dr. Bondurant (pg. 195). It is apparent from the beginning that Jerry portrays a dark, heavy and fearful presence in the film as seen by his intense gaze towards himself in the mirror and Stephanie in addition to his explosive behavior and split personality as shown in the basement scene.
(Opening scene shows Jerry after brutally murdering his first family.
Source: ITC Productions, 1987, The Stepfather.)
Williams’ article also talks in depth about the direct link between family trauma and a child who has been victimized at the hands of these ruthless patriarchal family values (pg. 196). While Jerry does not give much light to his early childhood, he mentions that he had a difficult time growing up. This gives imagination to the audience as they begin forming their own theories on just what terrifying experiences Jerry must have endured as a child to turn out in the manner that he did.
(Jerry gives the family dog kisses as he gets ready to kill him.
Source: ITC Productions, 1987, The Stepfather.)
Stephanie decides to follow her gut instincts about Jerry by contacting the Seattle examiner and breaking into the house where Dr. Boundurant was last seen alive. Williams writes that horror’s prime audience are both the young and the poor who are daring and fearless when it comes to danger (pg. 203). In horror films animals and young people (such as Stephanie) often have an intuitive sense of detecting when there is a malicious presence lurking. Stephanie clearly feels uneasy and tenses up each time Jerry gives her a childhood nickname and is chilled upon his touch.
In conclusion, though The Stepfather is not considered one of the more terrifying movies in the horror genre of the 80’s it certainly exhibits a flawed family dynamic.
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