Horror Movie

Conventions

By Ciara Ferreira

SettingHorror films are usually set in isolated, dark settings. This is to reflect the loneliness of the character as they have no one around them to help them with their current situation. Typical locations include: Lakes, abandoned roads, barns, empty hotels, houses, cabins and cities, graveyards, deserted ships at sea, asylum, attics, basements, etc. The settings can also have a ‘dark’ history, for example setting a horror film in a house that is haunted by a spirit from many years ago. The setting typically connotes darkness, death and isolation.

PropsThe generic props used in horror movies include; knives, chainsaws, machetes, guns etc. Props are used in films to make the scenes more realistic, it helps to convey the personality traits of a character and establishes their role within a film. E.g. A knife in a mans hand would suggest to the audience that he was the murderer. Horror movies also use props to help the audience understand the background to some scenes, for example the use of a Bible helps the audience realise that a exorcism is something to do with the Church.

The use of the Camera Horror movies use lots of different camera angles and shots like all films.

High angle shots- Horror movies use high angle shots to portray fear as the character looks small as the camera is placed above them. This can also suggest their level of status in the scene. P.O.V. shots- Horror films uses P.O.V shots to show the audience what the character is seeing, this adds fear and builds tension as the audience cannot see the full scene. Also in some horror movies, the P.O.V shot is used to shows the world through the ‘monster’ or the ‘murderer’s eyes meaning the audience are placed in the antagonists shoes. Handheld shots- The use of handheld shots are popular in lots of films, however when used in horror films, they add great effect. The handheld camera adds a shaky effect to the shot and therefore creates fear in the audience as it makes it difficult for them to see what is happening in the scene. It promotes a feeling of terror and a sense of the unknown. A good example of the use oif handheld cameras is in the film Cloverfield.

LightingDark/ low level lighting

Low level- create creepy mysterious settings Darkness is usually associated with horror and evil The darkness also makes the audience feel vulnerable and threatened as people fear the unknown and unseenShadows- using the woods shade to create shadows and dark lighting

SoundNon-diegetic sound

Adds to a specific mood and creates an atmosphere which invokes emotions in the audienceIsolated instruments- Vulnerability and fear Long suspenseful notes- contrast with short sharp notes to shock the audienceExtreme changes of pitch- builds tension

Voices Reflect fear and panic of characters

Sound effects Classic- Crows, bats, Owls, church bells, witches laughing etc. Echoing voices- heighten the audiences sense, emotion and mood

ThemesDepressionEvil Zombie apocalypseParanormal activity AliensDeath BloodRevenge Childhood issues Supernatural

Madness Envy SuicideScience gone wrong Religion Exorcism Spirits Danger Nature