Kiss of the Vampire

Question 1

Context of the 1960s

Answer 1

Marriage was the norm
Divorce was rare
2nd wave feminism was only just gaining traction
End to sexual harassment and more equality
Contraceptive pill
US: equal pay act 1963
UK: equal pay act 1970

Question 2

Distribution of the film

Answer 2

Hammer film productions
Most successful independent film company
Known for their niche in horror
Secured remakes rights from Universal studios as leading producer of horror
Distributed by J Arthur Rank and Universal (conglomerate backing)
Independent film company
Hollywood were beginning to produce more sophisticated films to Hammer lost funding

Question 3

Film context

Answer 3

Shot in Bray, Berkshire
Intended to be the second sequel to the 1958 Dracula
Had to be entertaining, have seen appeal and be violent
Popular with fans, not critics
More dramatic themes Brough in audiences

Question 4

Historical context

Answer 4

Sharing of blood and evil seduction was a metaphor for the spread of syphilis
Sex workers linked into syphilis so this showed women as impure
Being a virgin was favoured for marriage and in society
Women turned to prostitution
Unchaste women were depicted as evil and the pure as strong and heroic
Links to the pill being used by women to have more sex

Question 5

Women in the KOV poster

Answer 5

Hair, makeup, styles link to the 1960s
Women are sexualised and objectified
Pale skin, desirability of that time
Floaty garments/silk dressed
Exposure of skin
Female passive victim (stereotypical)
Role model for the empowered 1960s women
One woman seen as helpless, the other as strong yet aggressive

Question 6

Men in the KOV poster

Answer 6

Male vulnerability; kneeling down, subservient
Male fear of empowered women
Man standing looking anxious, striking bats away
Male holds female victim with one arm, she is passive and weak

Question 7

Theorists to link

Answer 7

Roland Barthes
Claude Levi Straus
Stuart hall
David Guantlett
Lisbet Van Zoonen