Binary Opposition

In critical theory, a binary opposition (also binary system) is a pair of related terms or concepts that are opposite in meaning. Binary opposition is the system by which, in language and thought, two theoretical opposites are strictly defined and set off against one another.It is the contrast between two mutually exclusive terms, such as on and off, up and down, left and right.Binary opposition is an important concept of structuralism, which sees such distinctions as fundamental to all language and thought.In structuralism, a binary opposition is seen as a fundamental organizer of human philosophy, culture, and language.

Binary opposition originated in Saussurean structuralist theory.According to Ferdinand de Saussure, the binary opposition is the means by which the units of language have value or meaning; each unit is defined in reciprocal determination with another term, as in binary code.

This might apply to my horror trailer as it is talking about how Binary opposition is a fundamental of human philosophy, culture and language that suggests the killer in the film believes that killing is right. If we showed the entire character of the killer there wouldn't be much point in seeing the film because you can tell what will happen at the end.

E.g. In 'Scream 4' we see Jill Roberts as a sweet, innocent girl but at the end of the film she ends up being the killer, trying to kill her cousin Sydney.

E.g. In 'Scary Movie' we see Doofy portrayed as a dumb, retarded brother of the popular girl character and in the end, we see that he is the actually killer.

Jill (Scream 4)

Doofy (Scary Movie)