The evolution of historical mask symbolism in the 21st century western masked horror cinema

This thesis explores the evolution of historical mask symbolism in Western masked horror cinema through an in-depth analysis of key films. My study delves into the historical, animal, grouped and shame masks, examining their symbolic significance and their contributions to the evolution and endurance of masked horror cinema. Films such as Creep, Saw II, The Purge, Haunt, The Boy and The Black Phone serve as case studies, revealing how masks are utilised to portray various themes ranging from existentialism and psychological trauma to anthropomorphism and shame. My studies combine cultural, philosophical and psychological perspectives to aid the understanding of the meanings behind these cinematic masks, displaying their transformations in the 21st-century horror iconography.