Clayton George Wickham - final thesis

115
tendency of a previous group of films undergoes a specific mutation, which
replicates these previous tendencies with a stylistic alteration.
With regards to the second point made earlier, the regularity and frequency of
alternating eye/camera perspectives problematises claims addressed in Chapter 2 of
the eye/camera acting as a vehicle for voyeurism or sadistic pleasure. While three of
the first four films favour perspectives of aggression and power, there still exist
examples of victim perspective, and the frequent use of mimic eye/camera challenge
the viewer’s reading of perspective, inviting him/her to actively engage with the
film, which works contrary to arguments arguing for the eye/camera as invitations to
passive sadistic pleasure. As mentioned, the following films, in an attempt to create
generic orientation or to develop an overarching visceral aesthetic, frequently alter
the perspective between victim and aggressor, and including passive witnesses,
undermines such arguments again, as voyeuristic or sadistic pleasure can only be
garnered through experiencing the perspective of an aggressor. Indeed, the final two
films, through their development of an overarching visceral perspective, in a sense
victimise the viewer, establishing a design that creates tension and suspense, as well
as disorientation.
Ultimately, the eye/camera proves to be a device that has multiple functions,
which can be developed with nuance as well as providing a design that is integral to
the narrative, specifically within A New Beginning, Jason Takes Manhattan, and
Freddy vs. Jason. When applied to the characters within the Friday the 13 th films,
whether Jason 20 or the victims can act as a signifier of power or vulnerability.
However, the eye/camera shots from any of these characters can indicate power or
20 I use Jason here as the predominant antagonist in the series, though this statement includes Mrs.
Voorhees for Friday the 13 th , Roy for A New Beginning, any of the people possessed by Jason’s spirit
in Jason Goes to Hell, or even Freddy in Freddy vs. Jason.