"The Hole", "The Devil's Rejects" and "Amusement" : Comparison

After watching "The Hole", "The Devil's Rejects" and "Amusement", I noticed some similarities and differences between the three films.  For example, the ''Final Girl Theory'' can be applied to all three, and are against "Propp's Character Theory".  The main characters are all groups of friends/family members.  All three also focus on teens/young adults.  However, they differ in plot, as "The Hole" and "Amusement" heavily rely on a psychological motive, whereas "The Devils Rejects" seems to focus on mainly sex and gore. 

Plot twists are evident in all three, and "The Hole" and "amusement", most likely due to their psychological nature, are narrated by the ''Final Girl''.  Iconogrpahy is also important in these films, and in all three the killer uses and typical weapons to kill, such as knives, and blood is shown.  As well as more unconventional methods, such as "The Hole", where many of the deaths are accidental, (except Martyn's drowning and the murder of Geoff'). 

Close ups and diegetic sound are often used in horror films such as these, as expressions of the characters are important to the audiences emotional reactions, and the sound is crucial for a realistic effect.  Isolated areas are also a key aspect of these films, as is heavy shadow, pahtetic fallacy and a background story.  All three also seem to follow "Todorov's Narrative Theory" also, and can definately be applied to the "Male Gaze Theory" and include scenes of a voyeuristic nature.  They also seem to be responding to the "Desensitisation Theory" with the levels of violence and scenes designed specifically for the shock factor.

Information and Extracts of reviews:   

"The Hole"

Psychological thriller/horror.  Based on the novel "After The Hole". - 2001
Director: Nick Hamm 
Narrator: Liz (plot = flashbacks)
Protagonist: Mike
Antagonist: Martyn
Others: Lisa, (implied to be Liz) Geoff, Frankie, Alex, Psychiatrist

Themes:
Bulimia
Claustrophobia
Schizophrenia
Obsession
Loneliness
Power
Control
Love
Status
Desperation
Revenge
Improbability
Coincidence
Class/Cliques

Extract from a Review: "It's a very good concept but the film fails to live up to the initial promise. Trying to tell the story in an interesting way through flashbacks backfires as the only interesting version is the last one, meaning you have to wait for more than half the film before getting to the good stuff. This is made all the worse by how unlikable all the four characters are. Number one rule; if you lock your audience in with a small amount of people, make sure their characters are at least interesting and a bit amusing. Between whining, shouting and blaming each other you'll be wishing for the whole place to fall down on their heads and end the wittering."
Source: http://awannabewriters.blogspot.com/2011/04/film-review-hole-2001.html

"The Devils Rejects"

Crime, horror, thriller Sequel to "House of 1000 Corpses" (Cult Film) - 2005
Director: Rob Zombie
Protagonist: Captain Spaulding
Antagonist: Sheriff Wydell
Others:
Tiny
Rufus
Mother Firefly
Baby
Otis

Themes:
Revenge
Murder
Torture
Boredom
Family
Sex
"Violent Western"

Extract from a Review:
"The characters are so much better than in the first film. They are obviously further developed and more convincing. More real. Somehow less of a freakshow, despite Captain Spaulding’s unsettling appearance. Sheri Moon Zombie looks and feels more at ease in her role as Baby – the Devil’s own candy. Otis is 100 times scarier with a big, bushy beard and now looks like guitar god Zakk Wylde from Ozzy Osbourne’s band. Leslie Easterbrook has taken over from Karen Black as Mother Firefly and her performance during the scenes with Wydell in the police station will blow you away. She is, as they all are, completely evil."
Source: http://www.eatmybrains.com/showreview.php?id=89

"Amusement"

Horror, thriller - 2009

Director: John Simpson
Narrator: Tabitha
Protagonist: Shelby
Antagonist: The Laugh
Others:
Lisa
Cat

Themes:
Revenge
Psychology
Childhood
Torture

Extract from a Review:
"The acting was decent enough, nothing great, but as it was the only positive aspect of the film it’s worth mentioning. Katheryn Winnick, Laura Breckenridge, and Jessica Lucas all played the victim well enough and showed us realistic enough characters before this point. Katheryn Winnick stands out the most as she takes on the role of the heroine. Keir O’Donnell was somewhat creepy, but really wasn’t a very effective villain. He seemed to have a very underdeveloped mind set, which should have been complex, darkening, and interesting as someone who thrived on killing even from a very early age. Still, there wasn’t much there."
Source: http://www.horrormoviefans.com/newsblog/2009/02/06/amusement-review/