Starting with the terrible game-based film Resident Evil, there has been a plethora of female leads in many films. The most recent that have pushed me to write this have been The Invasion and Silent Hill. But what is interesting about these recent leads are the fact that they are not the stereotypical helpless dainty figures that are constantly saved by the super-masculine male lead character. Nor are they an always prepared shock-troop. They are a cross between the two archetypes. They are ordinary females thrust into extraordinary situations and they do their best to cope with the strain. But like normal humans they have a breaking point. And that is the part I enjoy. Not to sound like a sadist, but that is real. No one is unbreakable and these new characters show that. Of course then they get back up and fulfill their mission as best as they can.
Another popular is the infection trend. Not just zombies and vampires, though those are still popular, but mind-altering infections. In The Invasion, an interstellar bacteria from space (I know it sounds like a b-movie plot) takes influences the behaviors of the infected. Of course there is a way to slow down the infection; do not fall asleep. Apparently, something in the REM sleep waves reacts with the bacteria and changes the brain. Also, in the film The Signal (which is loosely based on Stephen King's book Cell), a signal which is transmitted through the television and phones, causes the perception of those experiencing the signal to change. The effect is enhanced suggestability and overt reaction to events and emotion the infected experiences. These new takes on the infection theme are refreshing and I hope to see more innovation like this in other genres.
That's it for part I. I think. Stick around for the next if you enjoyed this!
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
