The horror conventions
The definition of a horror film, is a film that depicts the viewers emotions, worst fears, terrorises them of the unknown and frightens them with there disgusts and nightmares.Horror movies have been around since silent movies (Nosferatu). Being scared is something the audience thrives off. The horror genre proven to be very popular in the 70's and 80's with great films such Nightmare on Elm street. However horror film died out in till the 90's. There are many conventions that make a horror movie and here i will explain them.
SETTING
the setting for a horror movie is usually or more often than not a place with a dark history for example abandoned house, asylums, woods , lakes prisons and so on. Anything really that connotes isolation or being alone. The setting of a horror movie is usually at night time for a intensity, and fear of the unknown. However the setting is usually varied and can be set and time of day.
clique films with the typical horror setting are films such as:
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TECHNICAL CODE
we also use a lot of technical code in horror movies. The camera work is expressive rather than naturalistic. They use weird camera angles, along with canted ones to give an easing effect. As well of this horror movies use extreme close up and point of view shots to add tension and express fear, drawing the audience in and making them feel more involved. the blair witch project is a good example of experimental camera movement. The filmmakers used 'shaky cam' to add a documentary film feel. This suggests unprepared, unrehearsed filming of reality, and can provide a sense of dynamics, immersion, instability or nervousness. Sound also plays a great deal in the horror genre creating a tension and mood. When the music builds a paste we know something alarming is about to happen, creating fear in the build up. Also when we hear creepy music in a horror movie we subconsciously know something bad is about to happen.
ICONOGRAPHY
the visual colours we usually relate to horror are red and black as we see relation to danger, evil and blood, aspects that make a horror. We usually find the lighting is expressive and non- naturalistic, low lighting can be used especially to create shadows and unfamiliar shapes in the darkness. Props such as knives,machetes, wigi boards, masks and religious objects can help us to further identify a horror genre. The iconography of the monster can also be identified and cannotes fear, such as: vampires, spirits and werewolves.
NARRATIVE
The horror movie structure typically follows the three act structure, which a.k.a the beginning middle and end. During the first ten minutes of the film we are introduced to our location, characters, storyline genre etc. We then are introduced to our catalyst the thing/ event that gets the film going. During the narrative of the film we are introduced to things such as FALSE SCARES when the audience is expected to be jumped or scared but nothing happens. Creating more tension within that scene. Also audience can be used to TURNING POINTS this is where their will be a change in direction of the story that raises the stakes. In a narrative the audience also looks forward to the CLIMAXES this is the part in the film where the good and bad guy meet. This is usually followed by the RESOLUTION were the loose ends are tied up, unless its a sequel. In which we find most horror movies are to leave us on a cliff hanger. A good example of this is films such as paranormal activity and saw. The characters we usually find within our narrative the main protagonist the villain/hero of the movie. The villain often a serial killer, muted freak, alien or monster. The stupid/immoral one who always gets killed. Creepy children often have a role. The sex appeal the one who brings the attraction and many more characters such as ghosts, demons, stalkers ect.
THE GENRE
Horror film is a genre that aims to create a sense of fear, panic, alarm, and dread for the audience. These films are often unsettling and rely on scaring the audience through a portrayal of their worst fears and nightmares. Horror films usually center on the arrival of an evil force, person, or event. Many Horror films include mythical creatures such as ghosts, vampires, and zombies. Traditionally, Horror films incorporate a large amount of violence and gore into the plot.
SUBGENRES:
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Teen-Horror
Teen-Horror is a sub-genre that revolves completely around a teenager or a group of teenagers. Typically, these movies have a large cast and a clear hero or heroine. Teen-Horror films often play upon traditional teenage issues, such as dating and prom, and turn them into suspenseful and thrilling situations.
Examples: I Know What You Did Last Summer, Scream, Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Monster-Horror
A Monster film is sub-genre of Horror that centers on a struggle between human beings and a monsters. Often, the monster in the film has been created in an “experiment gone wrong.” The monster usually serves as a villain, and the film portrays a hero or heroine that ultimately saves the world from the monster.
Examples: Aliens, Godzilla, Creature from the Black Lagoon.
Slasher
Slasher film is a sub-genre of Horror film that revolves around a psychopathic killer. This killer stalks and murders his victims in extremely violent and memorable ways. Though it centers on a specific killer, the violence is what sets Slasher films apart from other horror films.
Examples: Halloween, My Bloody Valentine, Black Christmas.
Supernatural-Horror
Supernatural-Horror film is a sub-genre that includes ghosts, demons, or other depictions of supernatural occurrences. Often, Supernatural-Horror films combine elements of religion into the plot. Common themes in Supernatural-Horror films include the afterlife, the devil, and demonic possession. Unlike Religious Thrillers, Supernatural-Horror films are not limited to specific religious elements and can contain more vivid and gruesome violence.
Examples: The Exorcist, The Ring, The Omen.
Zombie-Horror
Zombie film is a sub-genre of Horror film that portrays mindless human beings who are raised from the dead. These films often include a Zombie invasion, and center around Zombies feasting on human flesh. The plot of a Zombie film then revolves around the struggle between the living, and the living-dead. Zombie film not only falls into the Horror genre, but Sci-Fi, Thriller, and Comedy as well.
Many films
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