4. MASKS
In this sub genre of films, the
villains are usually wearing
unconventional animal or
Human face masks(rather
than balaclavas). Masks
create a narrative enigma,
and they also create binary
opposition between the
antagonists mannerisms and
the colour of the masks, as
they are mostly white which
connote innocence and purity.
5. KNIVESThe weapons used by the
villains are usually knives,
machetes or other such
melee weapons Rather
than Fire arms. Knifes also
fit the subgenre home
invasion as they are a main
generic convention of the
horror genre. Knives add
fear factor to the villains as
they are seen as more
primitive and barbaric in
comparison to guns.
7. LIGHTINGthe lighting in horror films,
including the ones we have
analysed, all use low key
lighting. This is used to
create a tense, atmospheric
effect. Darkness has
connotations of evil and fear
something the film is trying
to provoke to the audience.
This creates binary
opposition between light and
dark as a light source is
often seen as safety and
8. SOUNDS
there are subtle sounds that create a quiet, tense
atmosphere. It also creates a narrative enigma as the
audience are constantly trying to figure out if there is a
change in the subtlety of the sounds. The non-diegetic
music is mainly slow and tense, however it speeds up
when the victim is placed in a situation of great
jeopardy. It is also sometimes uses contrapuntal sound,
as joyful music is played in a death scene. the film
plays Diegetic sounds of stabbings and intruder noises
are normally amplified.
10. ISOLATED
HOUSE.
The isolated house helps
add to the plot of the movie
as the victims are away
from main civilisation so
they are unable to call for
help making them have to
find a way to fend for
themselves. The houses
also tend to be large, rural
houses which makes for an
earie atmosphere as the
villain could be hiding
anywhere.
12. THE BEGINNING
The plot starts with a
daily family or romantic
activity (sex) when the
victims hear a noise
which disrupts them.
The antagonist then
enters the property and
people are gradually
killed throughout the
film.
13. THE CHASE/FIGHT
SCENE
The final scenes of the film
have the antagonist either
chasing the protagonist
into the woods or the
protagonist manning up
and getting into a fight
with the antagonist.
