2. CODES AND CONVENTIONS:
• There is always a victim or someone in danger - usually a female.
• High pitch, screaming dialogue – to create suspense and tension.
• Disruption of normality.
• Non diegetic music – Rising tension and suspense. (e.g. increase in
volume/speed)
• Dramatic camera angles to show characters perspectives.
• Dark and scary atmosphere/location.
• Fast movement, loud noises or the reverse effect of no sound which
also creates tension.
• Usually an authoritative figure who takes the lead role in saving the
other characters.
• Voice over – insight into the characters – develop a sense of
empathy/sympathy.
• Diegetic sounds are usually emphasised: Heavy breathing, heart beat,
or the silence of a scene. This is used to enhance tension within the
scene,
3. Horror Genre
Research
Props:
• Dark clothing, dark makeup.
• Weapons, Blood.
• Supernatural icons – masks,
cross etc.
• White clothing- supernatural.
Locations:
• Abandoned setting.
• Dark and dangerous.
• Dark alleys.
• Forest.
• Night time scene.
Characters:
• Protagonist- male - brave.
• Helpless female – damsel in
distress.
• Young and vulnerable.
• Lead role – in charge.
Colour:
• Dark colours- usually black,
white and red – connotations
of danger.
• White to represent spirits,
religious connotations,
• Low-key lighting in scenes to
add tension, danger.