Student Bodies: A Hilarious Throwback to the Dawn of Slasher Parodies
Before the Scary Movie franchise dominated the horror-comedy scene, there was Student Bodies, a 1981 film that dared to spoof the slasher genre even as it was still gaining momentum. This film stands out as an early and irreverent take on the tropes and clichés that would soon become synonymous with the slasher films of the 1980s.
A Genre Ripe for Ridicule
Student Bodies emerged during the height of the mad slasher craze, a time when low-budget horror films seemed to be released every other week. The film cleverly capitalizes on the audience's familiarity with these tropes, turning them into a source of amusement. The movie acknowledges the recent surge in horror movies and their financial success, setting the stage for the cheap and silly humor that follows. The opening sequence, with captions reading "Halloween," "Friday the 13th," and "Jamie Lee Curtis' Birthday," exemplifies this approach.
A Plot That Pokes Fun
The story revolves around a series of murders at Lamab High School, where a killer known as "The Breather" stalks and murders promiscuous students. The film wastes no time in lampooning genre staples, such as the heavy-breathing killer, the virgin heroine, and the suspicious red herrings. The killer's weapon of choice is often something ridiculous, highlighting the absurdity of the violence in slasher films. The script is self-aware and filled with smart-lipped dialogues, and the humor is visually evident through slapstick bumbling and humorous subtitles pointing out the obvious.
Humor That Hits and Misses
Student Bodies employs a variety of comedic techniques, ranging from slapstick to witty satire. The film's humor is often derived from exaggerating the clichés of the slasher genre, such as characters making obviously stupid decisions. Arrows appear on screen to emphasize these moments, and a tally keeps track of the increasing body count.
However, not all of the jokes land. Some gags are repeatedly used, which can become tiring. Some viewers may find the humor to be immature or reliant on potty humor and sex jokes. Despite these shortcomings, the film's willingness to poke fun at itself and its source material makes it an enjoyably amusing experience.
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Characters as Caricatures
The characters in Student Bodies are intentionally over-the-top and memorable. The cast embraces a mock seriousness, which enhances the film's comedic effect. The film presents a kooky array of characters, such as Malvert the janitor, who add to the film's overall charm. The killer, known as "The Breather," is a caricature of the masked killers found in slasher films. The Breather's over-the-top actions and heavy breathing become a source of humor throughout the film.
A Precursor to Meta-Horror
Student Bodies is a significant film because it predates later meta-horror pictures like April Fool's Day or Scream. Unlike these films, Student Bodies does not attempt to recreate the look or feel of a traditional slasher film. Instead, it comes across as a brightly lit high school sex comedy with a satirical edge. The film's self-awareness and willingness to break the fourth wall paved the way for future horror comedies that would embrace meta-commentary.
A Mixed Reception
Student Bodies received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised its originality and satirical take on the slasher genre, while others found its humor to be juvenile and repetitive. Despite the mixed reception, the film developed a cult following, particularly among those who saw it on cable in the 1980s. The film's low-budget charm and irreverent humor have continued to resonate with audiences over the years.
A Lasting Legacy
Student Bodies may not be a perfect film, but it is an important one in the history of horror comedy. It was one of the first films to parody the slasher genre, and it paved the way for later films like Scary Movie. The film's willingness to poke fun at the tropes and clichés of horror films made it a refreshing and entertaining experience for audiences.
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